THE Zimbabwe Election Support Network (Zesn) has said the recently held by-elections in Bindura and Makoni are what the country needs to mark a departure from violent and disputed polls.
The election watchdog said the run-up to the by-elections was relatively peaceful, with no incidents of violence or disruption.
On Monday, local authority by-elections were held in Bindura Rural District Council (RDC) ward 10 and Makoni RDC ward 38.
“The environment allowed electoral contestants from all political parties to canvass for votes without hindrance," Zesn said in its preliminary report.
"Zesn applauds the electorate which participated in this by-elections and also commends the contestants for conducting their campaigns peacefully given the low voter turn out.
"Zesn reiterates its call for all Zimbabweans to actively engage in electoral and governance processes to promote inclusivity and improve the quality and accountability of governance."
Zesn also commended the transparency of the voting process saying contestants made adequate efforts to deploy agents to monitor the electoral processes.
"In Bindura, both candidates had agents present at all four polling stations observed by Zesn. Similarly, in Makoni RDC, ward 38, both candidates performed well in terms of agent deployment, ensuring proper monitoring of the electoral process,” the report read.
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"Zesn observers noted that polling procedures were followed in strict accordance with the law, including checking voters' names on the roll and inspecting their fingers for ink before they were allowed to vote. On average, each polling station was staffed by six polling officers."
The by-election had few assisted voters, and according to Zesn observers, this was primarily due to illiteracy and visual impairment.
Section 59 of the Electoral Act outlines the procedures for voting by illiterate persons or those with redirected and turned away voters
"In Bindura RDC ward 10, the highest number of assisted voters was recorded at Maravanyika Primary School, where seven out of 156 voters who had cast their ballots by 3pm required assistance," the report read.
"Similarly, at Wayerera Primary School B, six (6) out of 225 voters were assisted. In Makoni RDC ward 38, the number of assisted voters was also low, reflecting a similar trend.
Zimbabwe has a history of disputed elections, with the opposition alleging that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission tilted the scale in favour of the ruling Zanu PF party, a charge the election management body denies.
Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa refused to accept the 2018 and 2023 presidential results accusing the ruling party of rigging.
Zanu PF denies the claims and accuses the opposition of being a sore loser.
