HARARE – Zanu PF has won by-elections in Insiza North and Gutu East constituencies, securing both parliamentary seats following Saturday’s vote that was boycotted by the main opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
According to official results released by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), Delani Moyo of Zanu PF emerged victorious in Insiza North with 7,171 votes, significantly outpacing his closest rival, independent candidate Leslie Dube, who garnered 1,187 votes.
Other contenders included ZNRP’s Mbongeni Moyo with 131 votes and ZAPU’s Thabani Mlotshwa, who received 114.
There was a low voter turnout which stood at 35.9 percent, with 84 ballots rejected.
In Gutu East, Zanu PF’s Zvarevashe Masvingise also secured a landslide victory after securing 9,321 votes while closest challenger Gift Gonese, an independent, polled 2,269 votes. Zivanai Nzvenga of NCA was a distant third with 173 votes. Voter turnout was 48.3 percent.
There were 194 votes spoiled ballots.
The Insiza North by-election was called following the death of the sitting MP Farai Taruvinga in March.
Gutu East became vacant after Zanu PF recalled and expelled its MP Benjamin Ganyiwa over allegations of disloyalty.
The CCC, once Zimbabwe’s main opposition force, did not field candidates in either race, maintaining its boycott of electoral processes it alleges are rigged in favour of the governing Zanu PF.
