Source: ZEC ready for Tsholotsho by-elections today – herald
Speaking at a media briefing in Harare yesterday, ZEC Chief Elections Officer Mr Simbarashe Tongayi said the Commission was ready to conduct the polls in Wards 1, 10 and 21 of Tsholotsho RDC.Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has said preparations for Tsholotsho Rural District Council by-elections scheduled for today have been completed, with election materials, personnel and funding fully in place.
Speaking at a media briefing in Harare yesterday, ZEC Chief Elections Officer Mr Simbarashe Tongayi said the Commission was ready to conduct the polls in Wards 1, 10 and 21 of Tsholotsho RDC.
The by-elections were triggered by vacancies that arose after an independent tribunal found the incumbent councillors guilty on March 23 this year, resulting in their removal from office.
Mr Tongayi said a total of 6 258 registered voters will participate in the elections, with 6 800 ballot papers printed to cater for contingencies.
“For Wards 1, 10 and 21, the total number of voters is 6 258, while 6 800 ballot papers were printed, representing a contingency of 8,6 percent,” he said.
Mr Tongayi said the ballot papers were printed locally by Fidelity Printers and Refiners in accordance with provisions of the Electoral Act.
The elections will be contested by seven candidates across the three wards.
In Ward 1, Lindiwe Mkwananzi of Zanu PF will face independent candidate Solani Mlilo.
Ward 10 has three contestants — Mchlukanisi Washington Ncube of ZAPU, Simbisai Ndlovu of Zanu PF and independent candidate Ntando Siziba. In Ward 21, Phillip Mvundla of Zanu PF will contest against independent candidate Marx Sibanda.
Mr Tongayi said ZEC has established 25 polling stations for the elections, comprising 10 in Ward 1, eight in Ward 10 and seven in Ward 21.
“The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has identified a total of 25 polling stations for today’s by-election. Polling shall take place from 7am to 7pm,” he said.
Mr Tongayi said all election officials, including ward elections officers, deputy ward elections officers, presiding officers and polling officers, have been recruited and trained.
Ward 1’s collation centre will be at St Mary’s Primary School under Ward Elections Officer Mr Hlabangani Dube, while Ward 10’s collation centre will be at Madlangombe Clinic Tent under Mr Tito Siyaluya.
Ward 21’s collation centre will be at Tshibizina Primary School under Ms Thembilihle Khumalo.
Mr Tongayi said Government has fully funded the electoral exercise.
“ZWG12,9 million has been budgeted for the three by-elections, and I want to indicate that we received the funding 100 percent,” he said.
Mr Tongayi also said accreditation of successful observers and media practitioners will continue until polling day at the ZEC District Office in Tsholotsho.
He urged candidates, political parties, polling agents and supporters to uphold peace and comply with the electoral code of conduct throughout the electoral process.
“The Commission encourages candidates, political parties and supporters to observe the code of conduct and maintain peace before, during and after the by-elections,” he said.
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