ZANU PF expands representation in National Assembly with by-election wins

ZIMSPHERE

HARARE – The ruling party ZANU PF has increased its presence in the National Assembly through successful by-elections held in Harare. George Mashavave and Kiven Mutimbanyoka emerged victorious in the Mt Pleasant and Harare East constituencies, respectively.

ZANU PF has gained more ground in Parliament following successful by-elections in Harare East and Mt Pleasant constituencies on April 27, 2024. These were formerly traditional strongholds for the opposition.

The by-elections, held on April 27, 2024, aimed to fill vacancies created by the resignations of Fadzayi Mahere (Mt Pleasant) and Allan Markham (Harare East), both from the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).

Despite a tranquil atmosphere, voter turnout remained low in both constituencies. ZANU PF candidates faced off against independent contenders for the vacant seats.

In the Mt Pleasant Constituency, ZANU PF’s George Mashavave secured 3,205 votes, while independent candidates Mamuse Nason and Ticky Brian received 945 and 220 votes, respectively.

The percentage of voter turnout in Mt Pleasant was 11.6%, with 206 rejected ballots.

In Harare East, ZANU PF’s Kiven Mutimbanyoka garnered 3,533 votes, while independent candidate Ropafadzo Cynthia Cheza polled 1,974 votes.

Harare East had 51 rejected ballot papers, with a voter turnout of 15.2%.

For comparison purposes, during the 2023 harmonized elections, the Mt Pleasant National Assembly Constituency results were as follows:

Fadzayi Mahere: 12,863 votes
Beadle Musatye Gwasira (ZANU PF): 7,787 votes
Jonathan Machokoto (CCC double candidate): 5,510 votes

Similarly, the 2023 harmonized elections in the Harare East National Assembly Constituency yielded the following results:

Allan Markham: 15,642 votes
Mavis Gumbo (ZANU PF): 7,621 votes
Malvin Razaru (CCC double candidate): 1,027 votes
Musarurwa Stewart Mutizwa (MDC-T party): 108 votes
Garikai Mlambo (UZA): 84 votes

Mr. Utloile Silaigwana, the chief elections officer of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), expressed satisfaction with the smooth and peaceful electoral process.

While acknowledging the low voter numbers, he encouraged citizens to exercise their constitutional right to choose their representatives in future by-elections.