HARARE, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) on Wednesday announced the suspension of all electoral activities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic which has so far claimed one life in the country.
ZEC chairperson Priscilla Chigumba said in a statement that in view of the declaration of the global coronavirus as a national disaster by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, all electoral activities were being suspended forthwith until further notice and pending a review of the situation.
"The suspension affects the conduct of a by-election which was due to be held in Ward 16 of Chiredzi Rural District Council on 4 April 2020 and the filling of any other vacancy which may arise during this period."
"New dates for the conduct of any by-election will be notified in due course," she said.
She said ZEC was taking several precautionary measures to protect its employees and the general public from infection.
The last by-election was held to fill a municipal vacancy in Chegutu at the weekend.
