Feb 3 by-elections will cost US$6 million: ZEC

Zim Now Writer

The February 3 by-elections set to be held in six constituencies, will cost an estimated US$6 million, the national elections management body has said.

Zimbabwe Electoral Commission chief elections officer, Utloile Silaigwana said that the upcoming polls are expected to cost US$6 million. “The estimated budget for the by-elections is US$6 million.”

The by-elections are being held to fill vacancies of six National Assembly seats and 28 local authority wards, which were occasioned by recalls by Citizens Coalition for Change interim secretary-general, Sengezo Tshabangu, who claimed they had ceased to be members of the CCC.

The recalled legislators, who have filed their papers under the CCC again despite a precedent that has seen other candidates being barred from taking part in the polls, include Amos Chibaya (Mkoba North), Gift Ostallos Siziba (Pelandaba-Tshabalala), Oliver Mutasa (Zvimba East), Admore Chivero (Chegutu West and Stephen Chatiza (Goromonzi West).
Tapfumanei Madzimbamuto of Seke constituency filed as an independent candidate.

In the other round of by-elections held on December 9, 2023, Zanu PF won seven of the contested seats after Pedzai Scott Sakupwanya won uncontested in Mabvuku-Tafara constituency.