ZESN PRELIMINARY STATEMENT ON 8 MARCH 2025 BY-ELECTIONS

10-March-2025 – The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) observed local authority by-elections held on 9 March 2025 in Chegutu Rural District Council (RDC) Ward 3 and Norton Town Council Ward 3. Both seats fell vacant following the deaths of the Councillors on 13 December 2024 and 2 January 2025.

Legal Framework

The by-elections were held in terms of 121A of the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13), which provides for filling vacancies arising in councils. The Nomination Court held sittings for purposes of receiving nominations of candidates for election as Councillors for the vacant Wards on Thursday 6 February 2025. Tsomondo Wilson Charamba of ZANU-PF and two (2) Independent candidates, Paradzai Preston Tanatswa and Munyeveri Walter were successfully nominated as candidates for the Norton Town Council Ward 3, while, Independent candidates Sibanda Tawanda and Murombedzi Stabile and Makofi Mahwinhei of ZANU-PF were duly nominated for Chegutu Rural District Council, paving way for a by-election.

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2025 International Women’s Day Statement

2025 International Women’s Day Statement

08-March-2025- The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) joins the world in
commemorating International Women’s Day, a global occasion to honour the
accomplishments and contributions of women across the globe. This year’s theme,
“Accelerate Action: Advancing Gender Equality Now,” calls for an urgent and decisive
push towards achieving gender equality which emphasises the importance of accelerating
efforts to overcome barriers that still limit the full participation of women in society,
politics, and the economy.

As the nation celebrates women’s progress, it is essential to recognise and address the
areas where significant gaps remain. One such area is the decline in women’s
representation in the National Assembly during the 2023 Harmonised Elections from 14.4%
in 2018 to 11%, a troubling setback in the shared pursuit of gender equality. This decline
highlights the systemic and structural barriers and challenges women continue to face in
political participation. Women’s underrepresentation in decision-making bodies not only
limits the diversity of ideas and solutions but also weakens the voice of women in shaping
policies that directly impact their lives.

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