Peaceful voting ends in Epworth by-election

Joseph Madzimure

Zimpapers Politics Hub

Zanu PF is hopeful of victory in the peaceful Ward 6 by-election in Epworth, where its candidate, Cde Civilised Bushe, faced off against independent candidate Mr Peter Nyapetwa and Ms Alice Nyahunzvi of MDC-T.

The local government by-election, held today, had no incidents of violence reported.

Zanu PF Harare provincial political commissar Cde Voyage Dambuza expressed confidence that the party would claim the seat.

“We are certain that we will win the seat for the first time since 2000. The local authority seat was always won by the opposition, but this time we will snatch it,” said Cde Dambuza.

He noted that turnout was likely low because many people were at work during the voting period.

“This is an urban by-election. Most people were at work, so we definitely expect the figures to be low. But a win is a win, and I am certain we will take it,” he said.

“We have done our homework well. President Mnangagwa’s achievements in a short space of time have made people believe in Zanu PF.”

Briefing journalists at Kubatana Primary School, which served as the command centre, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) deputy ward elections officer Mrs Bridget Chimanga said the voting process went smoothly and ended precisely at 7pm.

She reported that by 4.30pm, 2 763 people had cast their votes (1 859 women and 904 men).

A total of 77 voters were turned away, including 40 women and 37 men. Some 36 voters comprising 31 women and five men required assistance.

Mrs Chimanga explained that of those turned away, some were not on the voters’ roll, while others had defaced national identity documents or presented expired passports.

Vote counting is still underway.

Zanu PF has already enjoyed success in recent by-elections, winning all six contests held last week in Chikomba, Chiredzi, Gutu, Mazowe and Marondera rural district councils, reinforcing its dominance on the country’s political landscape.

In three of those wards, the party secured early victories as opposition parties failed to field candidates.

Cdes Fibian Muzire (Gutu RDC Ward 10), Katinos Mudadi (Gutu RDC Ward 14) and Tichaona Muskwe (Mazowe RDC Ward 19) were declared winners unopposed.

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