Voter apathy in Mt Darwin by-election

HARARE – Voter apathy characterised the Mt Darwin West by election, which was boycotted by the main opposition MDC on the grounds that the electoral playing field was heavily tilted in favour of the ruling Zanu PF party.

The seat became vacant following the appointment of Joice Mujuru as Vice President after the 2013 elections.

Mujuru was however, fired from both her party and government positions on allegations of plotting to topple as well as assassinate President Robert Mugabe.

There were no polling officers and other Zimbabwe Electoral Commission officials at polling stations visited by the Daily News as voters had finished casting their ballots as early as 12 O’clock midday.

At Karuyana Primary School, Zanu PF and little known opposition party, Transform Zimbabwe polling agents could be seen chatting to each other with virtually nothing to do.

The same situation obtained at Karuyana Rural polling station where locals said the voting was peaceful.

“We have not experienced any violence here during and after campaigns.

“All has been well only that there were very few people who came to this station.

“Maybe it was because others went to vote at the primary school,” said one voter who was already looking after his cattle after casting his ballot.

Tenjiwe Mkandla, the provincial election officer said they would open the polling stations until Seven O’clock in the evening to cater for others who might not have had the chance to vote.

Results are expected to be out today. Daily News