ZEC awaits proclamation

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission now awaits President Mugabe's proclamation to call for parliamentary by-elections in constituencies that were held by Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his predecessor, Joice Mujuru.

This comes after Parliament early this week wrote to President Mugabe and Zec advising them of the vacancies that have arisen in the legislature.

The notification was in line with Section 39 (1) of the Electoral Act which stipulates that: "In the event of a vacancy occurring among constituency members of the National Assembly, otherwise than through a dissolution of Parliament, the Speaker shall notify the President and the Commission of the vacancy, in writing, as soon as possible after he or she becomes aware of it."

The other two vacancies are in the Senate where Edna Madzongwe lost her seat after being elected Senate president and the other one left vacant following the passing on of national hero Kumbirai Kangai last year.

Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda said Parliament had done its part by notifying President Mugabe and Zec of the vacant seats.