ZANU PF’s John Paradza, a prominent figure in the Youth League, emerged triumphant in the parliamentary by-election held on Saturday, securing 12,147 votes. His closest rival, independent candidate Sebastian Mudzingwa, garnered a distant 1,775 votes. Ephraim Morudu of CCC followed with 1,258 votes, while Robson Kurwa of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) party secured a mere 138 votes. The election also saw 132 spoilt papers, as reported by the state media from the constituency command centre at Matizha Primary School.
Presiding officer Augustine Musasa disclosed a 60.2 percent voter turnout, underscoring the significance of this electoral event. With the retention of the Gutu West parliamentary seat, Zanu PF’s parliamentary dominance in Masvingo province solidifies to 24 out of 26 seats.
The by-election became necessary due to the unfortunate passing of Christopher Mutonhori, husband to Tourism minister Barbara Rwodzi, a candidate prior to the August 23 polls. Consequently, this weekend’s by-election served as an opportunity for the Gutu West electorate to exercise their democratic right and elect their representative to the National Assembly.
