By Malvern Mkudu
A by election to choose a new Councillor for Ward 1 in Chipinge district was held recently. Ward 1 became vacant after the death of a ZANU PF councillor who died in December 2014.
The election was held on the 27th of February 2015.Four candidates participated in this election namely from ZANU PF, NCA, Transform Zimbabwe and an independent candidate. The ward fell vacant following the death of Mr Albert Muzimba on 20 October 2014.
Mr Manyange, the ZANU PF candidate was declared winner at Maunganidze command centre by 10pm on the 27th of February 2015.He polled 995 votes. The NCA candidate polled 195 votes while Transform Zimbabwe polled 123 votes. The independent candidate polled 80 votes.
Five polling stations were set up for this ward election. Polling stations opened on time at 0700hrs and closed on scheduled time at 1900hrs.However there was evidence of irregular activities at many polling stations despite the election being endorsed by the victors.
Zanu PF made sure that its supporters and perceived supports voted in their numbers. ‘Supporters were gathered and organised at village level for them to go and vote in groups. Traditional leaders were the key players in executing this strategy, as subjects had no option but to comply for fear of the unknown consequences.’ said Claris Madhuku whose organisation was observing the election.
The undecided and vulnerable voters were all driven to the polling station with assigned partners who were tasked to ensure that they voted for ZANU PF. A family in Maunganidze who had lost their father was forced to go and vote before they could continue with the funeral.
The number of people turned away was too high. At the Information centre polling station 75 voters were turned away. Most of them were youths who had voted using voters’ slips in the 2013 election.
A week before the election, there were three major rallies (Zanu PF, NCA and Transform Zimbabwe). ZANU PF notable leaders from the provincial level to ward level including Mandi Chimene (Manicaland Governor), Samuel Undenge (Manicaland ZANU PF Chairman), Adam Chimwamurombe (Local MP Chipinge West) attended these rallies.
They threatened that they would discover and know where an individual cast vote for since it was at ward level. These intimidation tactics proved vital for ZANU PF as the party romped to victory.
The events leading to the day of the election showed that the electoral environment in the country is still un- even and more effort needs to be channelled towards electoral reforms. It was a reminder that the country is not yet ready to conduct free, fair and credible elections.
