Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga
Online Writer
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has called for peace ahead of the by-elections to be held tomorrow in Chinhoyi and Epworth, respectively.
The electoral body is ready to conduct council by-elections for Ward 14 of Chinhoyi Municipality and Ward 6 of Epworth Local Board. These two by-elections are a result of the convictions of two councillors.
Addressing a press conference this morning, ZEC Deputy Chairperson Rodney Kiwa revealed that the electoral body was prepared for the two by-elections and called for peace during the period.
“I wish to confirm that all material and human resources are in place. Ward election officers, deputy ward election officers, presiding officers, and polling officers for all electoral centres have been recruited and trained, and they are ready for the task.
“We encourage candidates, political parties, and supporters to observe the code of conduct and maintain peace before, during, and after the by-elections, just like the good example set by our political parties, candidates, and voters during last weekend’s by-elections,” said the ZEC Deputy Chairperson.
The vacancies arose following the conviction of Nobody Makoni, the councillor for Epworth Ward 6, and Chipo Mhlotswa, the councillor for Chinhoyi Municipality Ward 14.
“The vacancy for Ward 14, Chinhoyi Municipality, arose as a result of a court conviction of the then incumbent. The Ward 6, Epworth Local Board vacancy also arose from a court decision related to corruption,” said Kiwa.
Ward 14 of Chinhoyi Municipality, which has a voter population of 2,339, will see Cde Solomon Bizwork of ZANU-PF battling it out with Hope Zimbiri, an independent candidate.
For the Epworth Ward 6 by-election, Cde Civilised Bushe represents ZANU-PF, Ms Alice Nyahunzvi represents MDC-T, and Mr Peter Nyapetwa is an independent candidate. Epworth Ward 6 has a voter population of 14,264.
For the two elections, ZEC has a budget of ZiG$15 million.
Online Reporter