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Zvamaida Murwira : Senior Reporter

President Mugabe has proclaimed November 26, 2016 as the day the Chimanimani West by-elections would be held. The seat fell vacant after Mr Munacho Mutezo was fired from Zanu-PF over his continued association with Zimbabwe People First led by former Vice President Dr Joice Mujuru. The Head of State and Government and Commander-in- Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces made the announcement in a Statutory Instrument of a Government Gazette published yesterday.

He said in terms of Section 129 (1) (k) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the seat of an MP of Chimanimani West became vacant after the incumbent ceased to belong to a political party, which he was a member when elected into Parliament.

President Mugabe said in terms of section 39 (2) of the Electoral Act, he was obliged to issue a proclamation upon being notified of the existence of the vacancy by the Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda.

“Now therefore, under and by virtue of the powers vested in the President as aforesaid, I do, by this proclamation (a) order a new election of the constituency of Chimanimani West and (b) fix Friday the 30th of September 2016 as the date on which the nomination court shall sit, commencing at 10 am at the Magistrates Court, No 100-104, Herbert Chitepo Street, Mutare, for the purpose of receiving nominations of candidates for election as member of the National Assembly constituency for Chimanimani West and, (c) fix Saturday the 26th November, 2016 as the day on which a poll shall be taken if a poll becomes necessary in terms of section 46 (17) (c) of the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13),” read the notice.