KEY POINTS
- ZANU-PF’s Tsitsi Tawomhera won the Glen View South by-election with 6,543 votes, defeating CCC’s Gift Ostallos Siziba.
- The opposition raised allegations of electoral irregularities, but ZEC maintained the poll was free and fair.
- The victory reinforces ZANU-PF’s growing influence in urban areas ahead of crucial economic reform discussions in parliament.
ZANU-PF candidate Tsitsi Tawomhera has been declared the winner of the Glen View South parliamentary by-election, solidifying the ruling party’s presence in the Harare constituency.
According to official results released by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), Tawomhera secured 6,543 votes, defeating her closest rival, Gift Ostallos Siziba of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), who garnered 4,211 votes.
“The people of Glen View South have spoken, and their trust in President Mnangagwa’s vision for development is clear,” said Tawomhera in her victory speech. “This win is not just for ZANU-PF but for all residents who want progress in our community.”
The by-election was held following the death of the previous MP, Vongaishe Mupereri, in December 2024.
Herald reports that Voter turnout stood at 48%, slightly higher than the 2023 general elections in the constituency. Analysts attribute ZANU-PF’s success to its well-organized grassroots campaign and promises of improved infrastructure, including road repairs and upgraded health facilities.
Opposition alleges electoral irregularities
Despite the clear margin of victory, CCC officials raised concerns about alleged intimidation and irregularities during the voting process. CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi claimed that “some of our polling agents were denied access to voting stations, and there were reports of voters being turned away.” However, ZEC chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba dismissed these claims, stating that “the election was conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner, in full compliance with electoral laws.”
Political analyst Rejoice Ngwenya noted that the result reflects ZANU-PF’s continued dominance in urban areas where it has invested in service delivery. “Glen View South has historically been an opposition stronghold, but ZANU-PF’s focus on local issues appears to be shifting voter loyalties,” he said.
The win strengthens ZANU-PF’s parliamentary majority ahead of key debates on economic reforms. Tawomhera, a former councilor, has pledged to prioritize youth employment and water supply challenges in the constituency.
