BULAWAYO, OCT 13, (SOUTHERN EYE LIVE): THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has announced by-elections in four rural district council wards in Chiredzi, Gutu, Mangwe and Mberengwa, with polling scheduled for November 28, 2026, if the elections are contested.
In a notice issued by Chief Elections Officer Simbarashe Tongayi said the vacancies affected Ward 19 of Chiredzi Rural District Council (RDC), Ward 40 of Gutu RDC, Ward 15 of Mangwe RDC and Ward 29 of Mberengwa RDC.
The nomination courts will sit on October 28, 2026, from 10am to 4pm to receive nominations from candidates seeking election to the vacant seats.
"The Chiredzi vacancy arose after the incumbent councillor missed three consecutive ordinary council meetings without the council’s permission, resulting in the seat becoming vacant by operation of law," Tongayi said.
The Gutu and Mberengwa vacancies followed the incumbent councillors' resignations, while the Mangwe seat became vacant after an independent tribunal found the councillor guilty of misconduct.
"The nomination court for Ward 19 in Chiredzi would sit at the offices of the chief executive officer of Chiredzi RDC, while the Ward 40 Gutu nomination court would be held at the offices of the chief executive officer in Gutu," ZEC official said.
"The nomination court for Ward 15 in Mangwe will sit at the Mangwe RDC offices at Stand Number 29, Ingwizi Growth Point, Plumtree.:
ZEC said for Ward 29 in Mberengwa, the nomination court will be held at the Mataga Administration Offices.
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The electoral body noted that November 28 had been set as polling day should a poll become necessary in terms of the Electoral Act.
The by-elections will allow eligible voters in the four wards to elect councillors to fill the vacant seats and restore representation in the respective local authorities.
