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Vote-buying, intimidation claims blur Tsholotsho by-elections
2 hrs ago |
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Voting got underway in three wards of the Tsholotsho Rural District Council on Saturday amid allegations of vote-buying, voter intimidation and the transportation of voters from outside the affected wards.
The by-elections are being held in Wards 1, 10 and 21 following the dismissal of councillors Witness Khumalo, Jonathan Ndlovu and Felix Tshuma on corruption-related charges.
In Ward 21, independent candidate Marx Sibanda accused his rival, Philip Mvundla of transporting voters from other areas to influence the outcome of the election.
Sibanda alleged that voters from outside the ward were being brought in to support the ruling party candidate.
Mvundla could not immediately be reached for comment regarding the allegations.
However, Richard Moyo, the ruling party's provincial chairperson, said Zanu PF does not condone such practices and pledged to investigate the claims.
"Zanu PF does not allow such actions. This should be individuals doing it, and if found doing such, we disqualify such candidates," Moyo said.
The by-elections are being closely watched following the removal of the three councillors, creating vacancies in key wards within the district.
Ward 10 has attracted a three-way contest involving Simbisai Ndlovu representing Zanu PF, Ncube of Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU), and independent candidate Ntando Siziba.
In Ward 1, Lindiwe Mkwananzi is contesting on behalf of Zanu PF against independent candidate Solani Mlilo.
Meanwhile, Ward 21 is being contested by Mvundla of Zanu PF and independent challenger Sibanda.
The allegations of vote-buying, voter intimidation and the alleged busing of voters are likely to attract scrutiny from election stakeholders as polling continues. No official findings had been released regarding the claims at the time voting commenced.
Election authorities are expected to announce results once counting has been completed in the affected wards.
The by-elections are being held in Wards 1, 10 and 21 following the dismissal of councillors Witness Khumalo, Jonathan Ndlovu and Felix Tshuma on corruption-related charges.
In Ward 21, independent candidate Marx Sibanda accused his rival, Philip Mvundla of transporting voters from other areas to influence the outcome of the election.
Sibanda alleged that voters from outside the ward were being brought in to support the ruling party candidate.
Mvundla could not immediately be reached for comment regarding the allegations.
However, Richard Moyo, the ruling party's provincial chairperson, said Zanu PF does not condone such practices and pledged to investigate the claims.
"Zanu PF does not allow such actions. This should be individuals doing it, and if found doing such, we disqualify such candidates," Moyo said.
The by-elections are being closely watched following the removal of the three councillors, creating vacancies in key wards within the district.
Ward 10 has attracted a three-way contest involving Simbisai Ndlovu representing Zanu PF, Ncube of Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU), and independent candidate Ntando Siziba.
In Ward 1, Lindiwe Mkwananzi is contesting on behalf of Zanu PF against independent candidate Solani Mlilo.
Meanwhile, Ward 21 is being contested by Mvundla of Zanu PF and independent challenger Sibanda.
The allegations of vote-buying, voter intimidation and the alleged busing of voters are likely to attract scrutiny from election stakeholders as polling continues. No official findings had been released regarding the claims at the time voting commenced.
Election authorities are expected to announce results once counting has been completed in the affected wards.
Source - newsday
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