Zanu(PF) Trounces MDC-T, NCA In Weekend Council By-Elections

National | 27th Jan 2014 | admin

Harare, January 27, 2014-Zanu-PF swept all three council by-elections held over the weekend, including one in Harare, consolidating its dominance in local government countrywide with its council haul rising to 1 500 wards to MDC-T’s 443, reports the Herald today.

In Mbare ward 12, Maureen Nyemba of Zanu-PF polled 843 votes against Albert Muponda’s (MDC-T) 835.

Takura Gadzira of NCA polled 76, while independent candidate Jack Ethen Muzanenhamo came in with 26, for the seat that fell vacant after the death of MDC-T councillor Misheck Ziwacha.Zanu-PF retained ward 32 in Zaka when Togarepi Toruvanda won 861 votes against Elias Mutava of MDC-T’s 107 votes. NCA’s Enock Chikamhi of NCA got 62, in the by-election held after the death of Zanu-PF’s Cde Isaac Nguyuza.

There were eight spoiled ballots out of the 1 038 cast.

In Karoi Ward 10, Zanu-PF’s Fortunate Madamombe garnered 725 votes against Solomon Chiwenga Musekiwa’s (MDC-T) 226.

According to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission chief elections officer Mr Lovemore Sekeramayi the elections were peaceful although MDC-T spokesperson Mr Douglas Mwonzora alleged electoral fraud.

He also alleged that Zanu-PF bought votes using drought relief aid in Zaka and Karoi and that Temba Mliswa (Zanu-PF Mashonaland West chair) and Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs Minister Faber Chidarikire told food distribution officials in Karoi not to give any MDC-T members food relief.