Zim GBC News | Political Correspondent
HARARE – The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has declared five local authority wards vacant and set in motion the process for by-elections to be held in February.
The vacancies arose following the deaths of four incumbent councillors and the conviction of a fifth. The affected wards are Beitbridge Rural District Council (Ward 14), Chegutu Municipality (Ward 1), Chikomba Rural District Council (Wards 7 and 13), and Matobo Rural District Council (Ward 13).
In an official statement, the commission confirmed,
“The Commission has received written notifications confirming that the seats… became vacant following the deaths of the incumbent councillors.” Regarding the fifth seat, ZEC noted it:
“fell vacant after the incumbent councillor was convicted and sentenced to a term of imprisonment exceeding six months without the option of a fine.”
The nomination court for candidates wishing to contest the seats will sit on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, from 10 AM to 4 PM at designated venues within each local authority.
Should contests arise, the polls have been scheduled for Saturday, 21 February 2026. “Saturday, 21 February 2026, has been set as polling day should an election be required in terms of Section 125(4)(b) of the Electoral Act,” ZEC stated.
The announcement sets the stage for the first significant electoral contest in the country for the year.
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