By Staff Reporter
The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has urged contesting political parties to encourage the electorate to participate in local authority by-elections as they have a direct influence on their lives.
In a preliminary statement after weekend by-elections in Kusile Rural District Council (RDC) Ward 13 and Redcliff Municipality Ward 3, ZESN called for voter education on the influence of local authority elections on citizens’ daily lives including aspects such as sanitation, public safety, health, infrastructure, and future developmental trajectories.
“More needs to be done by political parties to encourage the electorate to ensure improved voter turnout in local authority by-elections and the enjoyment of political and electoral rights afforded them by Section 67 of the Constitution.
“Additional voter education is imperative regarding local authority elections, given their critical role in shaping local governance. Local authority elections directly influence citizens’ daily lives by addressing essential aspects such as sanitation, public safety, health, infrastructure, and future developmental trajectories,” noted ZESN.
With a team of nine static observers, accredited by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), ZESN monitored the proceedings across the two local authority wards, capturing the essence of citizen engagement and democratic participation.
The by-elections, triggered by the unfortunate passing of incumbent councillors, unfolded in accordance with Section 121 A of the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13). ZESN’s watchful eyes bore witness to a serene and dignified nomination process, held on February 23, 2024, in Lupane and Redcliff, where candidates stepped forward to serve their communities.
Despite minor hurdles, such as discrepancies in identification leading to redirected and turned away voters, the resilience of the electorate shone through. Redcliff Municipality Ward 3 witnessed a surge in voter turnout, reflecting varying levels of civic engagement across the wards.
ZESN commended the electorate for peacefully choosing their preferred representatives in Council during the Kusile RDC Ward 13 and Redcliff Ward 3 Municipality by-elections.
