ZANU-PF selects Pardon Mudzimu and Rosemary Chakwanda for polls

Two small wards turned into a confidence flex as the ruling party lined up candidates, money, and ground troops while brushing off rivals.

By-elections set up in Chikomba District

• ZANU-PF ramped up preparations in Wards 7 and 12.
• Framed the contests as winnable from the start.
• Funneled people and resources locally.
• Ran planning through provincial structures.

Chosen candidates for the wards

• Pardon Mudzimu was picked to fly the party flag in Ward 12.
• Rosemary Fortunate Chakwanda selected for Ward 7.
• Both emerged from internal selection rounds.
• Cleared registration hurdles without drama.

Why the seats opened up

• Ward 7 opened after Florence Mudzamiri passed away.
• Ward 12 became vacant after Ishmael Maukazuva went to jail.
• The case involved an illegal relationship with a minor.
• Triggered mandatory by-elections.

Party confidence and campaign tone

• Daniel Garwe projected certainty about victory.
• Bragged about dominance and voter loyalty.
• Dismissed rivals as background noise.
• Promised the wards would stay locked down.

Campaign rollout plans

• Daniel Garwe said launches are already scheduled.
• Set aside February 7 and February 14, 2026.
• Planned rallies and community addresses.
• Positioned the push as tightly coordinated.