Antony Chawagarira
BIKITA – Zanu PF candidate Obvious Tinarwo Madzivanyika has been declared the new councillor for Bikita Rural District Council Ward 13 unopposed.
This follows the unexpected withdrawal of Democratic Alliance of Zimbabwe (DAZ) candidate Brilliant Mukaro from the January 31 by-election.
Simbarashe Tongai, Chief Elections Officer of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), confirmed Mukaro’s withdrawal.
“It is hereby notified, in terms of Section 126 (2) of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13], that Mukaro Brilliant of the DAZ party, nominated for election in Ward 13 of the Bikita Rural District Council by-election scheduled for January 31, 2026, has withdrawn his candidature,” Tongai announced in a statement dated January 19, 2026.
With Mukaro’s withdrawal, Madzivanyika will officially assume office. The vacancy followed the tragic passing of former councillor Elliot Chapinda, who died by suicide last year.
This unopposed victory further solidifies ZANU-PF’s influence in the province.
