By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has reiterated its call on Zimbabwe to engage in electoral and governance processes to promote inclusivity and improve the quality and accountability of governance.
This follows voter apathy which characterized the recently held By-Election in Bindura Rural District (RDC) Ward 10 and Makoni RDC Ward 38 on 30 November 2024.
In a preliminary statement, ZESN applauded the electorate who participated in this by-election and also commends the contestants for conducting their campaigns peacefully.
“Given the low voter turnout, ZESN reiterates its call for all Zimbabweans to actively engage in electoral and governance processes to promote inclusivity and improve the quality and accountability of governance,” the network said.
In Bindura RDC Ward 10, Bigboy Nyakudya of ZANU-PF was officially declared the winner by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), securing 1,149 votes ahead of Elisa Masimbiti, an independent candidate, who garnered 38 votes.
In Makoni RDC, the ZEC announced Tonderai Madhumira of ZANU-PF as the winner with 890 votes, well ahead of Leonard Zuze, an Independent, who received 69 votes.
“Voter turnout was significantly low, with less than 50% of registered voters participating. In Makoni RDC Ward 38, only 973 out of 3,136 eligible voters cast their ballots, resulting in a turnout of 31%. In Bindura RDC Ward 10, voter turnout was recorded at 30%,” the network said.
ZESN observed local authority by-elections held on 30 November 2024 in Bindura Rural District Council (RDC) Ward 10 and Makoni RDC Ward 38.
The Ward 1 Victoria Falls Municipality by-election was not held following the dismissal of an appeal by the Supreme Court by an aspiring independent candidate Ephias Mambume to nullify the High Court’s decision that disqualified him as a duly nominated candidate.
The vacancy in Bindura RDC Ward 10 arose on 26 September 2024 following the death of the incumbent councillor, Cecilia Tsaura, of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
In Makoni RDC, Ward 38, the seat became vacant following the resignation of incumbent councillor David Matambura Mutasa of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) on 18 September 2024.
A vacancy arose in Victoria Falls Municipality Ward 1 after the incumbent councillor, Ephias Mambume was recalled by his party, CCC.
About Author
