The Gutu West by-election, scheduled for November 11, will complete the National Assembly’s 10th Parliament with a total of 280 seats.
The election was postponed due to the unfortunate passing of one of the candidates, Christopher Mutonhori Rwodzi. As a result, the poll for the seat had to be rescheduled.
President Mnangagwa officially announced the new date for the Gutu West by-election through a proclamation gazetted yesterday, in accordance with the Electoral Act. The Nomination Court will convene on October 10 to receive the names of candidates interested in contesting the election.
Among the candidates who had previously been nominated for the Gutu West Constituency were Cde John Paradza of Zanu-PF and Mr. Ephraim Murudu of CCC.
According to the Electoral Act, if a candidate passes away between the Nomination Court and the polling period, ZEC (Zimbabwe Electoral Commission) is required to declare all proceedings related to the election as void. Subsequently, all election proceedings must commence anew, as if a vacancy had occurred.
In the recent harmonized elections, Zanu-PF emerged victorious in 136 National Assembly constituencies, while CCC secured 73 constituencies. Additionally, Zanu-PF obtained an extra 40 seats through the women’s and youth quotas, while CCC gained an additional 30 seats. If Zanu-PF succeeds in the Gutu West by-election, its total seat count could rise to 177. Observers anticipate a favourable outcome for Zanu-PF based on the results from neighbouring constituencies.
Notably, Zanu-PF emerged triumphant in all other three seats in Gutu District during the August harmonized elections, including the seat in CCC leader Nelson Chamisa’s home village.
