2023–2024 Zimbabwean by-elections

By-elections were held in Zimbabwe on 11 November 2023, on 9 December 2023, on 3 February 2024 and on 27 April 2024 to fill vacancies in the National Assembly and in local government.[1][2] The by-elections were triggered by Sengezo Tshabangu, who claimed to be the interim Secretary-General of the Citizens Coalition for Change, when he recalled nine constituency legislators, six proportional representative women’s quota and senators and seventeen councilors mainly from Bulawayo, one of the party's strongholds.[3][4][5][6]

2023 Zimbabwean by-elections

← 2023 11 November 2023 (2023-11-11)
9 December 2023 (2023-12-09)
2028 →

10 out of the 280 seats in the National Assembly[a]
  Majority party Minority party Third party
 
Leader Emmerson Mnangagwa Nelson Chamisa
Party ZANU–PF CCC ZAPU
Last election 176 seats, 56.11% 103 seats, 41.58% 0 seats, 0%
Seats after 184 seats 78 seats 0 seats
Seat change Increase8 Decrease25 Steady

  Fourth party Fifth party
 
Leader Lovemore Madhuku Harry Peter Wilson
Party NCA DOP
Last election 0 seats, 0% 0 seats, 0%
Seats after 0 seats 0 seats
Seat change Steady Steady

2024 Zimbabwean by-elections

← 2023 3 February 2024 (2024-02-03)
27 April 2024 (2024-04-27)
2028 →

8 out of the 280 seats in the National Assembly [a]
  Majority party Minority party Third party
 
Leader Emmerson Mnangagwa Unknown[b]
Party ZANU–PF CCC ZAPU
Last election 184 seats 78 seats 0 seats
Seats after 192 seats 78 seats 0 seats
Seat change Increase8 Steady Steady

  Fourth party Fifth party
 
Party NCA DOP
Last election 0 seats 0 seats
Seats after 0 seats 0 seats
Seat change Steady Steady

Background

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Gutu West Constituency

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Due to the death of independent candidate Christopher Mutonhori before the general election on 23 August 2023, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission cancelled the parliamentary election in the Gutu West constituency in terms of Section 50 of the Electoral Act, which stipulates that should a candidate die before the election, the nominations are declared null and void.[7][8] After the general elections, president Emmerson Mnangagwa proclaimed on 22 September 2023 that the by-election would be held on 11 November 2023.[9]

Recall of CCC members

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On 3 October 2023, Sengezo Tshabangu, who claimed to be the interim Secretary-General of the Citizens Coalition for Change, recalled 15 members of the National Assembly (9 constituency MPs, 5 women's quota MPs and 1 youth quota MP), 9 senators and 17 councilors mainly from Bulawayo.[10][11][12] The CCC disputed Tshabangu's authority and the CCC president Nelson Chamisa wrote to National Assembly speaker Jacob Mudenda to disregard Tshabangu's letter.[13]

In spite of Chamisa's protests, Mudenda wrote to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission declaring the seats vacant, while the Local Government minister Winston Chitando notified the city councils about the vacant council seats.[14][15] On 20 October 2023, president Mnangagwa proclaimed 9 December 2023 as the date for the by-elections.[16] The Harare High Court rejected the expelled CCC MPs' appeal to be reinstated on 4 November 2023.[17] On 7 November 2023, the Nomination Court sat to receive papers from candidates for the by-elections.[18]

The CCC had been hit hard by double candidacy during the August general election, as Sengezo Tshabangu’s camp fielded its own set of candidates using the same party name.[19][20]

On 7 November 2023, a further letter was sent to the Speaker of Parliament and the President of the Senate by Tshabangu. In this letter, he recalled a further six constituency MPs and 6 Women's Quota MPs, as well as five Senators.[21] Their seats were declared vacant by the Speaker and President respectively on 14 November 2023. On the same day, the High Court ruled that any further recalls could not be acted upon by Parliament until legal challenges had completed. The Speaker, however, determined that the seats had been vacated when the letter was written - i.e. 7 November - and so remained vacant in spite of the Court order on 14 November. [22] President Mnangagwa declared the date for the by-elections of these six constituencies to be 3 February 2024.

Political violence

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In November 2023, Citizens Coalition for Change activist Tapfumaneyi Masaya was kidnapped and murdered while campaigning.[23] This was just a fortnight after CCC lawmaker Takudzwa Ngadziore was reportedly abducted and tortured.[23]

High Court challenges

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At the Nomination Court proceedings, the recalled MPs submitted an application to stand in the by-elections as CCC candidates. While their applications were accepted, meaning that in some constituencies there would be two CCC candidates competing against each other, Tshabangu submitted an application to the High Court to bar the recalled MPs from standing as CCC candidates. On 7 December, just two days before the by-election, the High Court issued an order which barred the recalled MPs from standing as candidates, and further stated that their names should not appear on ballot papers.[24]

Chamisa resignation

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Chamisa withdrew from CCC ahead of by-election on 3rd of February 2024.[25] Fadzayi Mahere and other withdrew from Parliament in solidarity with Nelson Chamisa, prompting a by-election in their respective constituencies.

Results

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11 November 2023

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Constituency Province Reason for vacancy Results
Gutu West Masvingo Death of competing candidate during August general election
CandidatePartyVotes%+/–
John ParadzaZANU-PF12,14779.30+1.3
Martin Sebastine MudzingwaIndependent1,77511.59New
Ephraem MoruduCCC1,2588.21New
Robson KurwaNCA1380.90New
Total15,318100.00
Valid votes15,31899.15+1.22
Invalid/blank votes1320.85-1.22
Total votes15,450100.00
Registered voters/turnout60.2-24.8
Majority10,37267.77+6.30
ZANU-PF hold

9 December 2023

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Constituency Province Reason for vacancy Results
Beitbridge West Matebeleland South Recall of incumbent legislator Morgan Ncube
CandidatePartyVotes%+/–
Thusani NdouZANU-PF4,92988.81+42.62
Blessing Brendan DubeIndependent3666.59New
Thoriso MoyoZAPU2554.59New
Morgan NcubeCCC00.00Barred
Blessing ChoeniCCC00.00Withdrew
Total5,550100.00
Valid votes5,55094.76
Invalid/blank votes3075.24
Total votes5,857100.00
Majority4,56382.22+81.62
ZANU-PF gain from CCC
Binga North Matebeleland North Recall of incumbent legislator Prince Dubeko Sibanda
CandidatePartyVotes%+/–
Chineke MuchimbaZANU-PF9,86290.77+33.42
Judith SibandaCCC1,0039.23-47.28
Prince Dubeko SibandaCCC00.00Barred
Total10,865100.00
Valid votes10,86593.35
Invalid/blank votes7746.65
Total votes11,639100.00
Registered voters/turnout34,13234.10
Majority8,85981.54+66.02
ZANU-PF gain from CCC
Bulawayo South Bulawayo Recall of incumbent legislator Nicola Jane Watson
CandidatePartyVotes%+/–
Rajeshkumari ModiZANU-PF1,60858.73+32.64
James SitholeCCC1,13041.27-31.53
Nicola Jane WatsonCCC00.00Barred
Total2,738100.00
Majority47817.46-29.25
ZANU-PF gain from CCC
Cowdray Park Bulawayo Recall of incumbent legislator Pashor Raphael Sibanda
CandidatePartyVotes%+/–
Aurther MujeyiZANU-PF1,76553.08+9.44
Vusumuzi ChirwaCCC1,56046.92-9.44
Pashor Raphael SibandaCCC00.00Barred
Total3,325100.00
Valid votes3,32585.32
Invalid/blank votes57214.68
Total votes3,897100.00
Registered voters/turnout27,63814.10
Majority2056.17-6.55
ZANU-PF gain from CCC
Lobengula-Magwegwe Bulawayo Recall of incumbent legislator Ereck Gono
CandidatePartyVotes%+/–
Tendayi Chitura NyathiCCC1,64855.56-15.14
Menziwa DubeZANU-PF1,31844.44+27.66
Ereck GonoCCC00.00Barred
Total2,966100.00
Valid votes2,96686.65
Invalid/blank votes45713.35
Total votes3,423100.00
Registered voters/turnout25,54413.40
Majority33011.12-42.81
CCC hold
Lupane East Matebeleland South Recall of incumbent legislator Bright Vanya Moyo
CandidatePartyVotes%+/–
Phathisiwe MachanguZANU-PF6,86379.68+34.35
David NyathiCCC1,75020.32-26.77
Bright Vanya MoyoCCC00.00Barred
Total8,613100.00
Majority5,11359.36+57.65
ZANU-PF gain from CCC
Mabvuku-Tafara Harare Recall of incumbent legislator Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi
2023 Mabvuku-Tafara by-election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
ZANU–PF Pedzai Sakupwanya Unopposed
Total votes 100.0
ZANU–PF gain from CCC
Mpopoma-Mzilikazi Bulawayo Recall of incumbent legislator Desmond Makaza
CandidatePartyVotes%+/–
Charles MoyoCCC1,63247.58-26.91
Dzingai KamambaZANU-PF1,09731.98+15.21
Pardon TapfumaneyiIndependent65419.07+15.14
Blessings SibandaDOP471.37+1
Desmond MakazaCCC00.00Barred
Total3,430100.00
Valid votes3,43086.86
Invalid/blank votes51913.14
Total votes3,949100.00
Registered voters/turnout
Majority53515.6-42.12
CCC hold


Nketa Bulawayo Recall of incumbent legislator Obert Manduna
CandidatePartyVotes%+/–
Albert Tawanda MavungaZANU-PF1,55049.90+32.32
Ambrose SibindiCCC1,43946.33-26.61
Luckmore GwetuDOP1173.77New
Obert MandunaCCC00.00Barred
Total3,106100.00
Valid votes3,10690.55
Invalid/blank votes3249.45
Total votes3,430100.00
Registered voters/turnout24,02014.28
Majority1113.57-51.79
ZANU-PF gain from CCC

3 February 2024

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Constituency Province Reason for vacancy Results
Seke Mashonaland East Recall of incumbent legislator Willard Tapfumanei Madzimbamuto
CandidatePartyVotes%+/–
Munyaradzi Tobias KashambeZANU-PF8,58673.66+25.46
Willard Tapfumanei MadzimbamutoIndependent2,40120.60New
Everisto ChisiCCC6695.74-45.16
Total11,656100.00
Valid votes11,65697.38
Invalid/blank votes3132.62
Total votes11,969100.00
Registered voters/turnout39,65930.18
Majority6,18553.06+50.32
ZANU-PF gain from CCC
Goromonzi South Mashonaland East Recall of incumbent legislator Stephen Chagwiza
CandidatePartyVotes%+/–
Washington ZhandaZANU-PF6,86586.55+38.92
Reuben ChikudoCCC1,06713.4537.65
Total7,932100.00
Valid votes7,93295.55
Invalid/blank votes3694.45
Total votes8,301100.00
Registered voters/turnout45,86218.10
Majority5,79873.1+22
ZANU-PF gain from CCC
Pelandaba–Tshabalala Bulawayo Recall of incumbent legislator Gift Siziba
CandidatePartyVotes%+/–
Joseph TshumaZANU-PF1,84574.85+53.22
Moreblessing TemboCCC46418.82-28.78
Yona Abraham NkomoDOP1566.33+5.10
Total2,465100.00
Valid votes2,46592.08
Invalid/blank votes2127.92
Total votes2,677100.00
Registered voters/turnout22,82211.73
Majority1,38156.02+8.42
ZANU-PF gain from CCC
Chegutu West Mashonaland West Recall of incumbent legislator Admore Chivero
CandidatePartyVotes%+/–
Shakemore Wellington TimburwaZANU-PF6,69767.03+24.39
Admore ChiveroIndependent2,62626.28New
Gift Machoka KonianaCCC6686.69-45.89
Total9,991100.00
Majority4,07140.75+30.82
ZANU-PF gain from CCC
Zvimba East Mashonaland West Recall of incumbent legislator Oliver Mutasa
CandidatePartyVotes%+/–
Kudakwashe MananzvaZANU-PF10,35978.44+28.75
Oliver MutasaIndependent1,99215.08New
Agrippa AlberitoCCC8556.47-43.84
Total13,206100.00
Valid votes13,20698.05
Invalid/blank votes2621.95
Total votes13,468100.00
Registered voters/turnout42,62031.6
Majority8,36763.36+62.74
ZANU-PF gain from CCC
Mkoba North Midlands Province Recall of incumbent legislator Amos Chibaya
CandidatePartyVotes%+/–
Edgar NcubeZANU-PF2,41559.22+31.52
Patrick TayiyaDOP1,66340.78New
Total4,078100.00
Valid votes4,07895.66
Invalid/blank votes1854.34
Total votes4,263100.00
Registered voters/turnout30,32014.06
Majority75218.44-24.75
ZANU-PF gain from CCC

27 April 2024

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Constituency Province Reason for vacancy Results
Harare East Harare Resignation of incumbent legislator Rusty Markham
CandidatePartyVotes%+/–
Kiven MutimbanyokaZANU-PF3,53364.15+33.02
Ropafadzo Cynthia ChezaIndependent1,97435.85New
Total5,507100.00
Valid votes5,50799.08
Invalid/blank votes510.92
Total votes5,558100.00
Registered voters/turnout36,56615.20
Majority1,55935.68+2.92
ZANU-PF gain from CCC
Mount Pleasant Harare Resignation of incumbent legislator Fadzayi Mahere
CandidatePartyVotes%+/–
George MashavaveZANU-PF3,20573.34+43.57
Nason MamuseIndependent94521.62New
Brian TickyIndependent2205.03New
Total4,370100.00
Valid votes4,37095.50
Invalid/blank votes2064.50
Total votes4,576100.00
Registered voters/turnout39,44811.60
Majority2,26051.72+32.32
ZANU-PF gain from CCC

References

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  1. ^ TrtAfrica. "Zimbabwe sets by-election date after MPs' ouster - TRT Afrika". Zimbabwe sets by-election date after MPs' ouster. Retrieved 2023-11-04.
  2. ^ "Zimbabwe court rejects opposition MPs appeal for lost seats - eNCA". www.enca.com. 2023-11-04. Retrieved 2023-11-04.
  3. ^ "CCC Approaches Courts To Reverse MP Recalls". www.thezimbabwean.co. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  4. ^ "Zimbabwe's Opposition CCC Recalls Matabeleland MPs". www.voaafrica.com. Retrieved 2023-11-04.
  5. ^ Mhuruyengwe, Ngoni (2023-10-19). "Factsheet: What about the recall of Chamisa's CCC MPs?". ZimFact. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  6. ^ Mangwaya, Harriet Chikandiwa and Mirriam. "Chaos as CCC MPs defy Parly recall". NewsDay. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  7. ^ "ZEC stops Gutu West election after death of retired soldier candidate – Nehanda Radio". nehandaradio.com. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  8. ^ Anna (2023-06-30). "Independent Gutu West MP candidate Christopher Mutonhori has died". Gambakwe Media. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  9. ^ "Gutu West by-election date set". The Herald. Retrieved 2023-11-08.
  10. ^ "Zimbabwe: Opposition CCC's woes mount as 15 MPs recalled". APAnews - African Press Agency. 2023-10-10. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  11. ^ "Tshabangu threatens to recall more CCC MPs". Community Podium News. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  12. ^ Mangwaya, Harriet Chikandiwa and Mirriam. "Chaos as CCC MPs defy Parly recall". NewsDay. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  13. ^ "Zimbabwe MPs lose seats because of fake letter". BBC News. 2023-10-10. Retrieved 2023-11-08.
  14. ^ "CCC in turmoil as Parliament acknowledges recalls by Secretary-General, notifies ZEC of 15 vacancies". The Zimbabwe Mail. 2023-10-09. Retrieved 2023-11-08.
  15. ^ Dube, Vusumuzi (2023-10-19). "Minister Chitando notifies BCC of CCC recalls…as Councillors meet to elect acting deputy mayor". The Sunday News. Retrieved 2023-11-08.
  16. ^ Ndebele, Lenin. "December by-elections in Zimbabwe as the main opposition disappears". News24. Retrieved 2023-11-08.
  17. ^ "Zimbabwe High Court rejects opposition MPs' bid for reinstatement ahead of by-elections-Xinhua". english.news.cn. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  18. ^ "Nomination Court sits today". The Herald. Retrieved 2023-11-08.
  19. ^ Chronicle Zimbabwe (2023-11-08). "CCC splits as double candidates situation worsens". Chronicles Zimbabwe. Retrieved 2023-11-08.
  20. ^ ZimSitRep_M (2023-11-07). "CCC's internal divisions lead to double candidacies in by-elections". Zimbabwe Situation. Retrieved 2023-11-08.
  21. ^ Machivenyika, Farirai (2023-11-14). "CCC recalls 13 more MPs, 5 Senators". The Herald. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  22. ^ Machivenyika, Farirai (2023-11-15). "CCC recalls stand". The Herald. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  23. ^ a b "Abducted Zimbabwe opposition activist Tapfumaneyi Masaya found dead". The Guardian. 2023-11-14. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  24. ^ "Court bars 22 recalled CCC legislators from polls". The Herald. 2023-12-08. Retrieved 2023-12-08.
  25. ^ "Zimbabwe opposition leader quits 'contaminated' party". BBC News. 2024-01-25. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  1. ^ a b Not all seats in the Zimbabwean Parliament are elected by popular vote. A selection is selected by Proportional Representation, and as such the number of seats after a by-election may be fewer than those being competed, where representatives have been recalled/died.
  2. ^ On 25 January 2024, Nelson Chamisa announced he was resigning from the CCC with immediate effect. It was not clear on the day of the by-election who the leader of the CCC was.