Zimpapers Logo

Zvamaida Murwira Herald Reporter
Voting ended peacefully at all 30 polling stations in the Mudzi West by-election yesterday, with the process of verification and eventually counting starting after the 7pm deadline.

Constituency election officer Ms Loice Masimu said they did not meet any major challenges until the polling stations closed.

“Polling stations have started verification, collation and counting,” she said. “Polling ended peacefully at all polling stations.”

Ms Masimu could not say when results would be ready.

Zanu-PF Mudzi West candidate Cde Magna Mudyiwa was expected to sail to victory with ease in a poll in which she was squaring it off with Mr George Kawaza of the National Constitution Assembly (NCA).

The seat fell vacant following the death of Cde Aquillina Katsande (Zanu-PF) early this year.

There was huge interest from the voters as several people could be seen gathering at polling stations as early as 3am in preparation for the voting which started at 7am.

People of all age groups, including the elderly, went to various polling stations to cast their votes.

Cde Mudyiwa cast her vote at Chingwena Primary School at 11am.

In an interview soon after voting, she said she was satisfied with the voting process and expressed confidence of winning the by-election because the constituency was pre-dominantly Zanu-PF.

“My chances are quite good, almost 100 percent,” said Cde Mudyiwa. “We did our best to mobilise our people to vote. Besides, this constituency has been always been dominated by Zanu-PF and I still believe the trend would be maintained.

“As Zanu-PF we expect to register a resounding election victory. People have been very supportive judging by the huge number of voters who came to various polling stations.”

Zimbabwe Electoral Commission provincial election officer Mr Colin Munetsi was also in the constituency visiting several polling stations.

He said no challenges had been encountered during voting.

The command centre was at Chifamba Primary School.