By Tonderai Saharo
Benson Hwata of ZANU PF was over the weekend elected councilor for Ward 2 breaking a 20 year jinx.
Ward 2, known as Runyararo West high density residential area, was established in 2000.
Since it has become an opposition stronghold with Zanu PF finding it difficult to win council seats there.
However the 9 December by election seem to have played well for the rulling party.
Facing a divided Citizens Coaltion for Change (CCC) party allowed Hwata to romp to victory with 612 votes.
Meanwhile, Nelson Chamisa’s candidate Shantel Yeukai Chiwara who was the favourite, managed 575 votes.
Independent candidate advocate Frank Chirairo, who broke ranks with CCC, got 143 votes.
Former CCC member Rocky Kamuzonda, now with Sengezo Tshabangu’s CCC camp, got 90 votes.
The by-election was marred by poor turn out as just above 1000 out of 5 800 voters participated.
Now, Zanu PF has 3 councillors out of 13 wards and CCC has 10 councillors.