By Kelvin Wilson Kasiwulaya
Bindura, Zimbabwe – The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has urged citizens to engage more actively in governance and electoral processes following voter turnout of less than 50% in recent by-elections held in Bindura Rural District Council (RDC) Ward 10 and Makoni RDC Ward 38 on November 30.
The elections, which filled vacancies left by the death of Cecilia Tsaura of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) in Bindura and the resignation of David Matambura Mutasa of ZANU-PF in Makoni, were marked by peaceful campaigns but low participation.
In Bindura RDC Ward 10, Bigboy Nyakudya of ZANU-PF was officially declared the winner by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), securing 1,149 votes ahead of Elisa Masimbiti, an independent candidate, who garnered 38 votes. Voter turnout in this ward was recorded at 30%, with a significant portion of registered voters abstaining.
In Makoni RDC Ward 38, Tonderai Madhumira of ZANU-PF emerged victorious with 890 votes, well ahead of Leonard Zuze, an Independent candidate, who received 69 votes. Out of 3,136 eligible voters in this ward, only 973 participated, resulting in a turnout of 31%.
A planned by-election in Victoria Falls Municipality Ward 1 was canceled after a Supreme Court ruling upheld the disqualification of independent candidate Ephias Mambume, whose recall by the CCC had left the seat vacant.
ZESN commended the peaceful nature of the campaigns and applauded those who cast their ballots but expressed concern over the low turnout, which it said undermines the inclusivity and legitimacy of governance.
“Low voter turnout undermines the legitimacy and inclusivity of governance,” ZESN said in its statement. “We encourage all Zimbabweans to take an active role in shaping their communities through participation in elections.”
The organization highlighted the need for intensified voter education to raise awareness about the importance of participation in local and national elections. ZESN called on political parties to increase outreach efforts and educate voters on their platforms, building stronger connections with their constituencies. Additionally, ZESN emphasized the importance of collaboration between civil society organizations and electoral bodies to promote inclusivity and ensure that elections remain accessible to all citizens.
ZESN emphasized the need for sustained civic engagement to strengthen governance and democratic accountability.
While ZESN commended the smooth conduct of the by-elections, the low turnout signals a growing challenge in motivating Zimbabweans to participate in governance. The electoral watchdog urged a collective effort to improve voter engagement and address logistical challenges in future elections.
The by-elections, though peacefully conducted, underscore the critical need to reinvigorate civic participation to strengthen Zimbabwe’s democratic processes.