Two Losing Zanu-PF Candidates Challenge Election Results
Following Zimbabwe’s 2023 harmonised election, two unsuccessful Zanu-PF parliamentary candidates have filed petitions with the Electoral Court seeking to overturn their losses. Cde Francis Mukwangwari and Cde Munyaradzi Tobias Kashambe both allege irregularities contributed to their narrow defeats to CCC party opponents.
Cde Mukwangwari lost the Zvimba East constituency by 189 votes to Mr Oliver Mutasa of the CCC. In his petition, Cde Mukwangwari claims voters at one polling station were improperly given extra ballot papers. He observed some receiving five papers instead of the required three. As the presiding officer did not address the issue, Cde Mukwangwari argues this irregularity may have impacted the outcome.
Separately, Cde Kashambe lost the Seke constituency by 755 votes to Mr William Madzimbamuto of the CCC. In his petition, Cde Kashambe requests a recount, citing mathematical errors in vote tabulation that could have inflated Mr Madzimbamuto’s totals. He also alleges election staff failed to assist some elderly voters.
Both Mr Mutasa and Mr Madzimbamuto, named as respondents, are yet to file replies to the petitions.
