Staff Writer
The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) says political parties should make efforts to increase political literacy of their supporters so as to raise the level of interest in local authority elections.
In its preliminary statement on 11 November 2023 National Assembly and Local Authority by-elections, ZESN said women in Zimbabwean politics are traditionally marginalized.
“The turnout during the by-elections clearly indicates that voters seemed to have less interest in local authority by-elections.
“Political parties should adhere to the provisions of the code of code of conduct, including campaigning within the stipulated time frame (the official campaign season), and to desist from gathering within the 300 meters radius from polling stations,” ZESN said.
The network also commended the two parties and the Vungu and Zvimba communities for fielding female candidates in the by-elections.
In line with its mission to promote democratic free and fair electoral processes through objectively and impartially observing elections in Zimbabwe, ZESN observed the Gutu West National Assembly in Masvingo Province and Hurungwe Rural District Council (RDC) Ward 24, Kusile RDC Ward 13, Nkayi RDC Ward 11, Vungu RDC Ward 14 and Zvimba RDC Ward 23 Local Authority by-elections on 11 November 2023.
The by-elections in which the ruling party won all except Kusile RDC Ward 13, were held after vacancies arose following the death of nominated candidates – Christopher Mutonhori Rwodzi, Gutu West Constituency Independent candidate; Muganhiri Richard, Zvimba Ward 23, Mtangi Myambo Vungu Ward 14, Nyoni Lisbert Sabelo Kusile Ward 13, Mpofu Jabulani, Nkayi Ward 11 and the death of the elected Councillor Faro Kuyerukana Hurungwe Ward 24.
The by-elections were held under Sections 50 and 121A of the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13) for the National Assembly and Local Authority Councillors following the passing on of the candidates and incumbent respectively.
About Author
