By A Correspondent

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is preparing for by-elections on Saturday in three crucial wards: Ward 1 in Victoria Falls (Matabeleland North), Ward 38 in Makoni Rural District Council (Manicaland), and Ward 10 in Bindura Rural District Council (Mashonaland Central).

Ward 1 in Victoria Falls became vacant on July 24, 2024, after the sitting councillor was recalled by his party. Meanwhile, the vacancy in Ward 38 of Makoni Rural District Council occurred on September 18, 2024, when the incumbent resigned. In Bindura Rural District Council, Ward 10 became vacant on September 26, 2024, following the death of the sitting councillor.

In these by-elections, Zanu PF is fielding candidates in all three wards. In Victoria Falls, Tonderai Mutasa of Zanu PF will face independent candidate Ephias Mambume. In Makoni RDC, Tonderai Madumira (Zanu PF) will contest against independent candidate Leonard Zuze. Bindura’s Ward 10 will see Zanu PF’s Bigboy Nyakudya battle it out with independent candidate Erisa Masimbiti.

ZEC’s Chief Elections Officer, Utoile Silaigwana, confirmed that preparations for the by-elections are in full swing, with all necessary materials and human resources in place. He stated that ward elections officers, deputy ward elections officers, presiding officers, and polling officers have been recruited and trained for the task.

A total of US$120,000 has been allocated for the by-elections, with the Printing and Minting Company of Zimbabwe handling the production of the ballot papers.

Polling stations have been set up in various locations.