Zanu-PF has reclaimed the Nkulumane parliamentary seat after winning a by-election held yesterday, ending more than two decades of opposition control in the Bulawayo constituency.
The ruling party’s candidate, Freedom Murechu, secured the seat in a by-election held yesterday to fill the vacancy left by the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Desire Moyo.
Official results released by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Elections Officer, Mrs Sithembiso Khuphe, showed that Murechu outperformed eight other candidates, polling 3,416 votes. Independent candidate Rodney Jele finished second with 745 votes.
Another independent contender, Esther Excellia Zitha, the widow of the late MP Desire Moyo, came third after garnering 325 votes, narrowly edging Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate Mothusi Ndlovu, popularly known as Madlela Skhobokobo, who polled 320 votes.
The remaining candidates trailed further behind, with independent Mbuso Fuzwayo receiving 121 votes, Vivian Siziba of ZAPU polling 110, Alson Moyo of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) securing 65 votes, Ethel Sibanda of the MDC-T garnering 23 votes, and Nompilo Ncube Malaba of the Zimbabwe African National Congress (ZANC) finishing last with 18 votes.
ZEC said polling and counting were conducted peacefully, with voter turnout described as moderate.
Zanu-PF welcomed the outcome, describing it as a vote of confidence from the people of Nkulumane. Party officials said the victory reflected growing support for Zanu-PF’s development agenda in urban areas, and pledged that the new MP would prioritise service delivery and community development in the constituency.
Political analysts say the result represents a major breakthrough for Zanu-PF in urban Bulawayo, signalling a significant political realignment in Nkulumane.
