The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) on Wednesday confirmed the suspension of by-elections amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The by-elections were expected to be held before the end of the year to fill vacant parliamentary and local government seats, according to the ZEC.
However, Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care Constantino Chiwenga on Friday announced a ban on the by-elections, citing COVID-19 as a formidable pandemic in the country.
The ZEC’s chief elections officer Utoile Silaigwana said on Wednesday that it is important for the commission to follow the advice from the necessary authorities and take precautions to curb the spread of the virus.
“The commission thus advises that the holding of by-elections remains suspended in line with public health regulations until the declaration of COVID-19 as a formidable pandemic has been lifted,” Silaigwana said.
The prolonged suspension of by-elections is permissible under the constitution, he added.
