ZANU PF’s Madhishi Wins Makonde Ward 8 Seat Unopposed

The ZANU PF candidate for Rural Ward 8 in Makonde, Bothwell Madhishi, has secured the council seat unopposed after the withdrawal of his sole rival.

The announcement was made on Wednesday afternoon by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s (ZEC) Makonde District elections officer, Shepherd Kawocha, at the Makonde Rural District Council (RDC) offices in Lion’s Den.

The declaration effectively ended the by-election before a single vote was cast.

Madhishi will replace his late sister, Councillor Ramu Madhishi, also of ZANU PF, who passed away in June this year after a prolonged illness.

Kawocha confirmed that all nomination papers submitted for the by-election were accepted without any disqualifications.

Initially, two candidates had entered the race: Madhishi and independent aspirant Everest Chandigere.

However, Chandigere withdrew his candidacy before the close of nominations, paving the way for the ZANU PF representative to assume the seat uncontested.

Commenting on the development, ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said the outcome highlights the growing organisational and strategic weaknesses of the opposition as the country heads toward future elections. She said:

“ZANU PF continues to capitalise on the opposition’s disarray, especially in rural constituencies where mobilisation structures are already firmly in place.”

Provincial youth chairperson Tapiwa Masenda said that the opposition parties’ appeal was declining across the province, while ZANU PF aims to capture over 90 percent of the total vote in the upcoming harmonised elections.

More: The Herald

Related:

The Real Meaning Of One Man, One Vote – And Why Amendment Bill No. 3 Doesn’t Violate It CCC fields ZANU PF cardholder for Bulawayo Ward 1 by-election