The Sunday News
Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter
VOTERS in Mangwe, Matabeleland South braved the low temperatures yesterday to choose their new Member of Parliament to replace the late Zanu-PF Deputy Chief Whip Obedingwa Mguni.
The seat fell vacant after the death Cde Mguni in June this year. Eight candidates were vying for the seat including Cde Mguni’s widow, Cde Hlalani Mguni, who was running on a Zanu-PF ticket. Other candidates were 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).
Sunday News observed that voting progressed smoothly from the time polling station opened at 7 am.
Matabeleland South provincial elections officer Mr Robson Nyoni said voting went well and counting was expected to start soon after closure of poling station at 7 pm yesterday.
“The voting has got on well. Some stations were a little bit busier than others but the process went on well. The environment is peaceful. We have not the received any complaints that are a concern to the parties right now. I can confirm that we have not had any problems from any political party or candidate taking party taking part in the process,” he said.
Mangwe Constituency election officer Mr Shadreck Ngwenya said the run up to the poll had been smooth.
Mr Ngwenya said participating political parties had not raised any alarming red flags during the electoral process.
Results are expected today.
