ZEC says all set for Nkulumane parliamentary by-election

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has confirmed it is fully prepared to conduct the Nkulumane Constituency parliamentary by-election scheduled for this Saturday, saying all logistical, security and operational arrangements are now in place.

Addressing the media on Tuesday at Nkulumane High School, which has been designated the command centre, Constituency Elections Officer Mrs Sithembiso Khuphe said the electoral body had reached an advanced stage of preparedness, with personnel and materials already being deployed across the constituency.

The by-election was triggered by the death of Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) legislator Desire Moyo in October.

Mrs Khuphe said the poll will be held across 34 polling stations and involves a total of 22 883 registered voters.

“All preparations for the by-election set for Saturday, December 20, are now at an advanced stage,” she said. “Election materials and staff deployment are already underway.”

She added that ZEC had completed training for all election officials, including ward elections officers, presiding officers and recorders who will man polling stations on election day.

Polling will take place at a variety of venues, including schools, halls, churches and tented facilities. Mrs Khuphe said 15 polling stations will operate from tents, which have already been erected.

“We have ensured that all polling centres are fully prepared, regardless of the type of infrastructure being used,” she said.

Mrs Khuphe confirmed that ballot papers and voters’ rolls were ready and that ballot papers were being collected from Windsor Park before being distributed to ward collation centres at Nkulumane High School and Queen Elizabeth Primary School.

On security, she said the Zimbabwe Republic Police would be present at all polling stations.

“Each polling station will be manned by two police officers, with additional deployment at tented stations to ensure safety and order,” she said.

Nine candidates are contesting the seat, including Zanu-PF’s Cde Freedom Murechu, Ethel Sibanda of MDC-T and Alson Moyo of EFF Zimbabwe. The CCC has fielded musician and radio personality Mothusi Ndlovu, popularly known as Madlela.

Other contenders include Zapu’s Vivian Siziba, ZANC candidate Nompilo Ncube Malala, and independents Rodney Donovan Jele, Mbuso Fuzwayo of Ibetshu LikaZulu, and Esther Auxillia Zitha, the widow of the late MP.

Mrs Khuphe said ZEC had engaged all political parties and candidates through its multi-party liaison committee.

“All contesting parties attended our liaison meeting on Monday. We are satisfied that all stakeholders have been adequately briefed,” she said.

She reiterated that the commission was confident of delivering a credible and orderly election.

“We are fully prepared. Everything needed to conduct this by-election smoothly is now in place.”