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Nyore Madzianike Manicaland Bureau
Zanu-PF romped to victory in the Chimanimani East Ward 13 local authority by-election held on Saturday.

The ruling party’s candidate, Cde Ronnie Chimbarara, won the seat with 467 votes ahead of independent candidate Amin Muchuuro, who polled 367 and three other candidates who were vying for the seat in the election that was marred by a low voter turn-out.

Antony Chikoshana (PRC), Tapfumaneyi Mashudu (NCA) and Chiambiro Mukombapi (MDC-Alliance) were also vying for the seat.

The seat fell vacant following the death of aspiring candidate Simba Taita Mahwendepi on July 17 before the July 30 harmonised elections.

Only 983 people cast their votes across the seven polling centres out of 4 161 registered voters in the ward.

Cde Chimbarara thanked people from his ward and reminded them not to be swayed by fly-by night politicians and political parties.

“I would like to thank the people of Ward 13 for showing confidence in me and the Zanu-PF party,” he said.

“I am very glad that people now know the party that has people at heart. They have shown that they will not be swayed by these small emerging political parties and opportunists.”

Cde Chimbarara said he was looking forward to working with other councillors to develop the constituency in terms of infrastructure and other social amenities.

“We are looking forward to work towards developing our area, especially in sectors which are lagging in development,” he said.

“We have some areas where there are no clinics and other social amenities and we want them developed.”

Chimanimani East legislator Cde Joshua Sacco, who contributed immensely for his party to retain the local authority seat, said he was looking forward to working with Cde Chimbarara.

“As MP of the area, I am happy that Cde Chimbarara has won the seat to represent Zanu-PF,” he said.

“I am looking forward to working together with him in bringing development in our area in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision of attaining a middle-class economy by 2030.”