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Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Reporter

THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has said all modalities are in place for the smooth holding of the Mangwe by-election today.

The seat fell vacant following the death of Zanu-PF deputy chief whip Cde Obedingwa Mguni in June this year.

Eight candidates are vying for the seat including Cde Mguni’s widow, Cde Hlalani Mguni, who is running on a Zanu-PF ticket.

Other candidates are Mr Kositsile George Raphael (MDC-T), Zinkabi Tommy Ncube (Independent), Mr Vincent Sihlabo (MDC- Alliance), Mr Mathews Sibanda (Zapu), Mr Lizwe Dlomo (NCA), Mr Chatada Edmond Nleya (MRP) and Ms Varaidzo Phumuzile Phiri (Lead Party).

Zec Matabeleland South provincial elections officer Mr Rabson Nyoni said all was set for the Mangwe by-election.

“We have concluded all logistics, deployed all our polling officers and we are ready for 7AM tomorrow so that the electorate can start voting,” said Mr Nyoni.

He said Zec would be publishing the voters’ roll outside each polling station for the convenience of the public.

The publishing of the voters’ roll outside each polling station is a new measure being implemented by the electoral management body in the country’s elections.

“In this by-election, we will also be publishing the voters roll at each polling station as was done in Lupane East so that people just don’t enter a polling station but check whether they are at the correct polling station when they are outside. 

“If they are not at the correct polling station they will then know which polling station they should go to. This reduces the pressure of queuing and then being redirected while also being made to register that they had entered a polling station. So with the publicising of the voter’s roll outside the polling station, voters can then self-direct to their correct stations,” said Mr Nyoni.

Meanwhile, Zanu-PF Matabeleland South provincial chairman Cde Rabelani Choeni said the party was confident of romping to victory today.

“We covered ground and are just waiting to celebrate. We concluded our campaign when Vice President Kembo Mohadi addressed a star rally on Wednesday. The Mangwe community understood our message and we are confident that we will retain the seat,” said Cde Choeni.

MDC Alliance Matabeleland South chairperson, Mr Solani Moyo, also expressed confidence that his party would win the seat.

He said the MDC Alliance had managed to conduct its campaigns unhindered. – @nqotshili