Zanu-PF eyes Bikita West

VOTERS in Bikita West constituency yesterday went to the polls to elect a National Assembly representative in a by-election expected to be a litmus test for ex-Zanu-PF member Dr Joice Mujuru’s political outfit — ZimPF — against the ruling party, which is widely tipped to clinch the seat.

With the by-election coming as Zanu-PF prepares to roll out its massive 2018 general election, the ruling party is seeking to send a signal to rival political parties that it stands on solid support base and prove Dr Mujuru has no political standing. This is the first time ZimPF has fielded a candidate in any election since the formation of the party last year.

e Bikita West by-election saw Zanu-PF’s Cde Beauty Chabaya seek a victory against Kudakwshe Gopo (ZimPF), Heya Shoko (Independent), Murdock Chivasa (NCA), Terrence Makumbo (Progressive Democrats of Zimbabwe) and Innocent Muzvimbiri (Independent).

Results for the by-elections where not available last night after counting of votes had started just after the close of polling stations at 7pm. Contacted for comment at the close of polling, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission deputy chief elections officer Mr Utoile Silaigwana said he could not give details of the polls adding that: “I can’t talk right now I am in the (vote) counting station and the process might get well into the night.”

However, our Harare Bureau visited a number of polling stations during the voting process with indications that the centres opened on time at 7am. Voting proceeded peacefully in the constituency that has 58 wards and 18 000 registered voters.

ZRP Officer Commanding Bikita District Chief Superintendent Richard Mubaiwa told our Harare Bureau last night that voting went well without disturbances.

“From the time voting started at 7am until the closure of voting process we never received any reports of disturbances, the exercise was very peaceful with no incident of intimidation or violence,” said Chief Supt Mubaiwa.