Zanu-PF wins Mangwe councillor seat after 20 years

The ruling Zanu-PF party has maintained its dominance in rural politics after clinching victory in the Ward 12 by-election of the Mangwe Rural District Council (RDC) held on Saturday.

The by-election was necessitated by the death of an opposition councillor in August. For the past two decades, the ward had consistently been under opposition control, making this victory a significant milestone for Zanu-PF.

Cde Benjamin Ndlovu represented Zanu-PF, while Tshaka Moyo contested as an Independent candidate. Voting took place across four polling stations established by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to facilitate the process.

Cde Ndlovu emerged as the clear winner, securing 463 votes compared to Moyo's 137. At Zimnyama polling station, 15 votes were cast, with Zanu-PF taking 13 and the Independent candidate two. At Gwabane, a total of 110 votes were recorded, including four spoiled ballots, with Cde Ndlovu claiming 107 votes to Moyo's three. Msasane polling station saw 168 votes for Zanu-PF and 13 for Moyo, while at Macingwana, Ndlovu garnered 175 votes against 119 for his opponent.

Political analysts note that the results highlight a growing shift in rural voting patterns, with Zanu-PF making inroads into areas historically controlled by opposition parties. The outcome reflects the ruling party's continued influence and underscores its strategy to consolidate power across the country.

The by-election victory in Ward 12 is seen as part of Zanu-PF's broader effort to strengthen its position in rural constituencies, turning former opposition strongholds into new centres of support.