By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Local authority by elections held at the weekend in eight wards were marred by low voter turnout although observers say political environment was generally peaceful and calm.
In its preliminary observations on the by-elections, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network noted that voter turnout was significantly low across the eight wards.
“None of the wards recorded a turnout above 50% with the highest turnout being Ward 4 of Kariba Municipality which recorded 46.8 % turnout and the lowest being Ward 16 of Mutare Municipality which recorded a turnout of 11%.
“CCC won in seven wards whilst ZANU-PF won in one,” ZESN said in a statement.
“Voting throughout all the polling stations that ZESN observed was done in accordance with set procedure including adhering to ZEC COVID-19 policy which requires among other things for ZEC to keep a register of all those that present themselves at the polling stations to enable contact tracing.
“ZESN Observers noted that the political environment was generally peaceful and calm. Campaigns for the by elections were mostly door to door campaigns as well as the distribution of flyers and posters.
“There were no incidents of violence or intimidation that were reported except in Ward 7 Chitungwiza where there were clashes between ZANU-PF and CCC supporters who were gathered in close proximity to each other.
“ZANU-PF was holding a rally at an open space called 5 Grounds, while CCC was having a door-to-door campaign in a street near the ZANU-PF rally,” ZESN said.
In line with ZESN’s mission to promote democratic elections in Zimbabwe, the network observed local authority by-elections in the Chitungwiza Ward 7, Mutare Ward 14 and 16, Rusape Ward 5, Pfura Ward 40, Kariba Ward 3, 4 and 8 as well as at the Ward Collation Centres.
The by-election were held in accordance with Section 121 A of the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13) following the death of the incumbent Pfura Ward 40 Councillor Doniah Jeke and the recalls of Mutare Mayor Blessing Tandi of Ward 14; Chitungwiza Mayor Lovemore Maiko of Ward 7; Kariba Mayor George Masendu of Ward 4; Councillors Farai Magevha of Ward 3 and Pedzisai Munhuweyi of Ward 8 and Mutare Ward 16 Councillor Sekai Catherine Mukodza; by the MDC Alliance.
Based on its observations the network recommended that there was a need for greater political literacy amongst citizens for them to make use of political and electoral rights afforded them by the Constitution.
“This would translate into improved turnout for local authority by-elections which in comparison with national assembly by-elections are regarded as less important.
“Political parties must continue to call on their supporters to engage those with divergent political interests peacefully as this will enhance the credibility of elections in Zimbabwe.
“There is a need for political party leaders and their supporters to respect the civil and political rights enshrined in the Constitution, in particular freedom of association,” ZESN said.
It also recommended that political parties should ensure their agents arrive at their assigned polling stations on time and that they observe all polling processes so that they can authoritatively comment on the polling day processes.
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