The National Assembly by-elections in Harare East and Mount Pleasant constituencies yesterday were characterized by a peaceful environment and low voter turnout, with Zimbabwe African Union Party (PF) candidates facing independent contenders for both seats.
The seats fell vacant after former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislators Fadzai Mahiri (Mount Pleasant) and Alan Rusty Markham (Harare East) resigned from Parliament early this year.
In Harare East, ZANU PF’s Kevin Mutimbanyuka contested against Ms Ropafadzo Cynthia Cheza.
The ruling party’s MP, George Machava, faced off against Mr Nason Mamos and Mr Brian Tiki – both independent candidates – in the Mount Pleasant constituency.
The results of the polling stations were expected to be released last night after the end of the voting process in most polling stations at seven in the evening.
The Sunday Mail visited several polling stations, and although voting started early, voter turnout was low.
In Chikurubi, located in eastern Harare, dozens of people cast their votes in the morning.
However, by mid-afternoon, few people had gone to the polls.
In Mount Pleasant, people were flocking to vote.
Speaking to the Sunday Mail last night, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer, Mr Otolewale Silegwana, said the election ran smoothly, but expressed regret at the low numbers.
“ZEC made sure to facilitate the voting process smoothly in the two constituencies by providing all logistical, material and human resources. By 7am, all polling stations had opened their doors directly. I visited several polling stations during the opening time, and there were no queues. By Mid-morning, a small number of voters turned out to cast their ballots.
“As of 4pm, voter turnout in Mount Pleasant was 10.4%, and 11.2% in Harare. I hope the numbers have increased by the time the polls close at 7pm.
He added: “As the electoral management body, we encourage voters to attend these by-elections; It is in their interests and it is their constitutional right to choose their representatives.
But overall, I am happy that the process went smoothly and peacefully.” Sunday mail
