The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has endorsed the recent by-election win by ZANU PF in the Umzingwane Rural District Council, Ward 15. This endorsement marks a significant shift from ZESN’s traditionally critical stance, where it often leaned towards supporting opposition parties. In the by-election, ZANU PF’s Sifelani Dube secured a decisive victory with 516 votes, overshadowing independent candidate Sabelo Ndlovu who received 48 votes, and Victor Phiri of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), who managed only 40 votes. Notably, Ward 15 had previously been won by CCC during the 2023 Harmonised Elections. However, ZESN’s report concluded that the by-election adhered to Southern African Development Community (SADC) guidelines for free and fair elections, further endorsing its legitimacy.
The ZANU PF victory in Umzingwane is a telling indicator of the party’s resurgence, especially in an area previously controlled by the opposition. This win, combined with ZANU PF’s previous successes in urban areas, underscores the party’s renewed momentum across various regions. President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent State of the Nation Address reaffirmed ZANU PF’s commitment to fulfilling its electoral promises, despite the ongoing challenges posed by international sanctions. This focus on delivering tangible outcomes has contributed significantly to the party’s growing popularity. ZANU PF’s resurgence is not only evident in recent by-election results but is also set to shape Zimbabwe’s political landscape well into the future, particularly beyond 2028.
ZESN’s endorsement of the Umzingwane by-election as free, fair, and peaceful highlights the credibility and effectiveness of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC). ZEC’s strict adherence to electoral laws and procedures, including the timely display of voters’ rolls, early opening of polling stations, and orderly voting processes, all reinforced its commitment to ensuring transparent and democratic elections. The presence of comprehensive agent deployment from all candidates, along with neutral polling officials, demonstrated ZEC’s impartiality in managing the electoral process. ZESN’s positive assessment of the election further reinforces public confidence in ZEC’s capacity to oversee democratic processes in Zimbabwe.
The peaceful campaign leading up to the Umzingwane by-election was another key highlight, with no incidents of violence or intimidation reported by ZESN observers. All candidates were able to campaign freely, and polling stations were set up transparently, with voters’ rolls displayed outside prior to voting. The early opening of polling stations ensured a smooth and efficient voting process. The orderly conduct of the voting, where procedures such as checking voters’ names on the roll, verifying ink marks, and stamping ballot papers with ZEC’s official seal, was followed meticulously.
The comprehensive deployment of agents by all three candidates allowed for authoritative monitoring of the election, and the neutral conduct of polling officials, with a balanced representation of gender parity, further cemented the integrity of the process. ZESN commended the peaceful campaigns and encouraged voters to actively participate in future municipal by-elections, as elected councillors play a critical role in ensuring the quality of services delivered by municipalities.
Overall, ZESN’s endorsement of the Umzingwane by-election reflects positively on ZEC’s ability to administer fair and transparent electoral processes. This by-election serves as a testament to ZEC’s commitment to democratic integrity, offering hope for future elections in Zimbabwe to maintain these standards.
