Peaceful Morning Turnout Recorded Across Victoria Falls By-Election Polling Stations

VICTORIA FALLS — Voting in the Victoria Falls Municipality council by-elections across Wards 9, 10, and 11 got off to a smooth and peaceful start this morning, with a steady stream of residents turning out to cast their ballots.

Field reports gathered between 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM indicate a calm and orderly voting environment across key polling stations in the resort city. Election officials reported no major incidents, although a number of prospective voters were turned away due to identification issues and voter roll discrepancies.

Early turnout figures show active participation from both male and female voters. At Chinotimba Rank in Ward 9, 29 votes had been cast by 9:19 AM. Mosi Polling Station recorded 25 voters, comprising 14 males and 11 females.

In Ward 10, Mosi Polling Station A recorded 30 voters (17 males and 13 females), with four individuals turned away. Mosi Polling Station B had 21 voters, including five assisted voters, while one person was turned away. Mosi Polling Station C registered 37 voters, with two assisted female voters and no recorded turnaways.

Kings Primary School polling stations also recorded notable activity, with Polling Station A in Ward 11 registering 38 voters by mid-morning, while Polling Station B recorded 52 voters, including three assisted voters and three individuals turned away. St. Bakita polling stations in Ward 11 recorded 44 voters at Polling Station A and 37 at Polling Station B, with minimal cases of voters being turned away.

Despite the smooth process, election officials noted several reasons why some residents were unable to vote. These included the use of invalid identification such as driver’s licences, expired passports, or digital copies of IDs stored on mobile phones.

Officials reiterated that only a valid national metal or plastic ID, a valid temporary identity document, or a valid passport is acceptable. Some voters were also turned away due to defaced or illegible IDs, while others had reported to incorrect polling stations or had not updated their voter registration details after relocating.

Polling agents representing various candidates were present across most stations. At Mosi Polling Station A in Ward 10, agents for seven candidates were observed, although one independent candidate had no representative at the time of reporting.

Assisted voting was recorded at several stations, including five voters at Mosi Polling Station B, two at Mosi Polling Station C, and three at Kings Primary Polling Station B, highlighting continued support for voters requiring assistance.

Election officials and observers have emphasized the need for enhanced voter education to reduce the number of people turned away. Candidates, political parties, and election agents have been urged to continue educating residents on correct identification requirements and polling station allocations.

Polling stations will remain open until 7:00 PM. Voters are encouraged to bring valid identification and confirm their ward and polling station details before heading out to vote.

Breeze FM will continue to monitor developments and provide updates throughout the day.