Voters heed poll boycott call

Voter apathy and several alleged electoral irregularities characterised yesterday's 16 by-elections held in various parts of the country.

The main opposition parties, including former MDC-T, boycotted the polls, citing uneven electoral playing field in a move analysts say would open space for Zanu-PF in opposition strongholds.

Civil society organisations have reported alleged malpractices across the country which include blocking polling agents from entering polling stations and Zanu-PF officials writing down names of people who came in to vote.

Voters in other areas were turned away and Village heads were bringing people in groups to go and vote. Voter apathy in some areas was also reported.