ZEC ready for today’s four by-elections

Sikhumbuzo Moyo

THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has declared its comprehensive readiness for today’s by-elections, which will see contests for National Assembly seats in Gutu East and Insiza North, alongside Local Government polls in Chipinge and Binga Rural District Councils.

In a Press release issued yesterday, ZEC Deputy Chairperson, Ambassador Rodney Kiwa, announced that 62 250 ballot papers had been printed for the four by-elections, with a budget of ZiG62 million allocated for the exercise.

Ambassador Kiwa stated that ZEC had established 135 polling stations for today’s polls. Gutu East constituency will have 56 polling stations, Insiza North 67, Ward 5 of Chipinge RDC seven, and Ward 4 of Binga RDC five.

“The vacancy for Gutu East Constituency arose following the recall of the incumbent MP by his political party, while that for Insiza North was due to the death of the sitting MP. The vacancy in Ward 4 of Binga RDC followed the resignation of the councillor, and that in Ward 5 of Chipinge RDC resulted from the councillor’s death,” said Ambassador Kiwa.

In Insiza North, Zanu-PF’s Cde Delani Moyo will contest against Mr Thabani Mlotshwa of Zapu, Mr Mbongeni Moyo of the Zimbabwe National Revival Party, and independent candidate Mr Lesley Dube. In Gutu East, Zanu-PF’s Cde Zvarevashe Masvingise will face Mr Zivanai Nzvenga of the National Constitutional Assembly and independent candidate Mr Gift Gonese.

Two candidates are contesting for the Ward 4 seat in Binga RDC: Zanu-PF’s Cde Brian Munsaka and independent candidate Mipia Dube.

In Chipinge RDC’s Ward 5, five candidates are vying for the vacant post: Cde Singatini Humbe of Zanu-PF, Mr Tinozivei Mkachana of the NCA, independent candidate Mr Godfrey Salani, and Mr Ndinani Zvigumi of the Citizens’ Coalition for Change.

Ambassador Kiwa confirmed that all material and human resources were in place for the by-elections.

“Ward Elections Officers, Deputy Ward Elections Officers, presiding officers, and polling officers for all electoral centres have been recruited and trained. The Commission encourages candidates, political parties, and supporters to observe the Code of Conduct and maintain peace before, during, and after the by-elections,” he said.

Polling stations will open at 7am and close at 7pm.