Zimbabwe’s ruling party, ZANU PF, has swept all four council by-elections held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Victoria Falls and Mutare. Official results indicate that the party secured victory in three of the four wards due to a divided opposition from independent candidates. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) released the results late on Saturday, confirming ZANU PF’s dominance in these local polls.
Key Players Involved
- ZANU PF: Ruling party, won all four council by-elections.
- Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC): Released the official results of the polls.
- Portia Gwinjai: ZANU PF candidate, declared councillor for Mutare Municipality Ward 3.
- George Mhlanga: ZANU PF candidate, elected in Victoria Falls Municipality Ward 11.
- Thindolie Sibanda: ZANU PF candidate, won in Victoria Falls Ward 10.
- Independent Candidates: Divided votes contributed to ZANU PF’s victories in multiple wards.
Event Timeline
- August 1, 2026: Four council by-elections held in Victoria Falls and Mutare.
- Late August 1, 2026: Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) released the official results.
