Zimbabwe Rhodesia general election, 1979
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The Zimbabwe Rhodesia general election of April 1979 was held under the internal settlement negotiated by the Rhodesian Front government of Ian Smith intended to provide a peaceful transition to majority rule on terms not harmful to Rhodesians of European descent. The internal settlement was not approved internationally but the incoming government under Bishop Abel Muzorewa did decide to participate in the Lancaster House talks which led to end of the dispute and the creation of Zimbabwe.
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[edit] Electoral procedure
Under the agreement of 1978, the new Zimbabwe Rhodesia House of Assembly was to consist of 100 members. 20 were to be elected on the "White Roll" which was previously used to elect the majority of the Rhodesia House of Assembly. 72 seats were elected by the "Common Roll" which every adult in the country had a vote. Owing to the lack of an electoral roll, voters were instead marked with ink on their fingers in order to stop multiple voting. Once the 92 members had been elected, they assembled to vote for eight White non-constituency members. All the candidates for these posts were members of the Rhodesian Front.
The 20 White Roll members were elected from new constituencies made up of combinations of the previous constituencies. The Common Roll members were elected by province using a closed list system. It was intended to set up a full electoral register and institute single-member constituencies for future elections.
[edit] Election campaign
The main question in the election campaign was how many Africans would vote in the common roll election. The Patriotic Front parties, ZANU-PF and ZAPU, pledged to disrupt the election and called for a boycott. By 1979, all of Rhodesia apart from the central area between Salisbury and Bulawayo was under a form of martial law due to attacks by the Patriotic Front's armies, ZANLA and ZIPRA.
In the event the turnout was quite respectable in Mashonaland, although somewhat depressed in Manicaland and Victoria. In Matabeleland South, where ZIPRA was strongest, the turnout was lowest.
[edit] Results
The final state of the parties was:
| Party | Seats |
|---|---|
| United African National Congress | 51 |
| Rhodesian Front | 28 |
| Zimbabwe African National Union | 12 |
| United People's National Federation Party | 9 |
- Ind - Independent
- NDU - National Democratic Union (Leader Henry Chihota)
- RF - Rhodesian Front (Leader Ian Smith)
- UANC - United African National Council (Leader Abel Muzorewa)
- UNFP - United People's National Federation Party (Leader Chief Kayisa Ndiweni)
- ZANU - Zimbabwe African National Union (Leader Ndabaningi Sithole)
- ZUPO - Zimbabwe United People's Organisation (Leader Jeremiah Chirau)
[edit] White Roll
Polling day was April 10, 1979.
| Constituency | Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVONDALE | John Alfred Landau | RF | unopposed |
| BORROWDALE | Hilary Gwyn Squires | RF | unopposed |
| BULAWAYO CENTRAL | Patrick Francis Shields | RF | unopposed |
| BULAWAYO NORTH | Wilfred Denis Walker | RF | unopposed |
| BULAWAYO SOUTH | Wallace Evelyn Stuttaford | RF | 4,140 |
| Francis Robert Bertrand | Ind | 500 | |
| Jan (John) Francis Betch | Ind | 57 | |
| CENTRAL | Rowan Cronjé | RF | unopposed |
| EASTERN | Desmond Butler | RF | 2,538 |
| John Constantinos Kircos | Ind | 485 | |
| GATOOMA/HARTLEY | Pieter Kenyon Fleming-Voltelyn van der Byl | RF | unopposed |
| HATFIELD | Richard Cartwright | RF | 2,672 |
| Charles James Britton | Ind | 334 | |
| Neville Ronald Arthur Skeates | Ind | 314 | |
| HIGHLANDS | Mark Henry Heathcote Partridge | RF | unopposed |
| KOPJE | Dennis Divaris | RF | 2,263 |
| Mrs. Esther Rawson | Ind | 834 | |
| Leslie Thomas Hayes | Ind | 28 | |
| LUNDI | Theunis Christian de Klerk | RF | unopposed |
| MAKONI | Jacobus Phillipus du Plessis | RF | unopposed |
| MARLBOROUGH | William Michie Irvine | RF | unopposed |
| MAZOE/MTOKO | Cecil Millar | RF | unopposed |
| MIDLANDS | Henry Swan Elsworth | RF | unopposed |
| MOUNT PLEASANT | Jonas Christian Andersen | RF | unopposed |
| NORTHERN | Esmond Meryl Micklem | RF | unopposed |
| SOUTHERN | Ian Douglas Smith | RF | unopposed |
| WESTERN | Alexander Moseley | RF | unopposed |
[edit] Common Roll members
Polling day was April 21, 1979.
| Province | Est. electorate | NDU | UANC | UNFP | ZANU | ZUPO | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Seats | Votes | % | Seats | Votes | % | Seats | Votes | % | Seats | Votes | % | Seats | ||
| Manicaland (10) | 402,700 | - | - | - | 97,994 | 53.7 | 6 | 8,398 | 4.6 | - | 69,136 | 37.9 | 4 | 7,115 | 3.9 | - |
| Mashonaland Central (5) | 187,800 | - | - | - | 138,360 | 80.7 | 5 | 9,593 | 5.6 | - | 16,968 | 9.9 | - | 6,582 | 3.8 | - |
| Mashonaland East (15) | 588,300 | 18,175 | 3.3 | - | 428,599 | 78.2 | 15 | 20,292 | 3.7 | - | 39,461 | 7.2 | - | 41,767 | 7.6 | - |
| Mashonaland West (6) | 264,300 | - | - | - | 245,737 | 83.4 | 6 | 12,941 | 4.4 | - | 24,682 | 8.4 | - | 11,228 | 3.8 | - |
| Matabeleland North (10) | 383,400 | - | - | - | 79,108 | 40.8 | 5 | 75,350 | 38.9 | 4 | 22,242 | 11.5 | 1 | 16,985 | 8.8 | - |
| Matabeleland South (5) | 191,200 | - | - | - | 10,318 | 20.0 | 1 | 30,318 | 58.9 | 3 | 7,365 | 14.3 | 1 | 3,502 | 6.8 | - |
| Midlands (11) | 419,600 | - | - | - | 137,120 | 60.6 | 7 | 24,006 | 10.6 | 1 | 47,525 | 21.0 | 3 | 17,551 | 7.8 | - |
| Victoria (10) | 388,900 | - | - | - | 75,403 | 56.1 | 6 | 13,543 | 10.1 | 1 | 35,549 | 26.5 | 3 | 9,840 | 7.3 | - |
[edit] Candidates and elected members
| NDU | UANC | UNFP | ZANU | ZUPO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MANICALAND PROVINCE | ||||
| 1. Edward Stewart Mazaiwana | 1. A. Siwellah | 1. Rev Ndabaningi Sithole | 1. P. Ndoro | |
| 2. David Charles Zvinaiye Mukome | 2. C. Jenah | 2. Noel Mukono | 2. P. Mubekati | |
| 3. Simpson Victor Mtambenengwe | 3. G. Gwenzi | 3. David Zamchiya | 3. T. Makunde | |
| 4. Elijah Smile Magavan Nyandoro | 4. L. Chiyangwa | 4. Arnold Sawanha | 4. N. Chingomo | |
| 5. John Moses Chirimbani | 5. E. Matsika | 5. D. Charangwa | 5. L. Mufararipwa | |
| 6. Maxwell Pfereyegota Chambara | 6. K. Dhlamini | 6. [C. Chiremba (deceased)] | 6. J. Tandi | |
| 7. John Zwenhamo Ruredzo | 7. J. Manjengwa | 7. Miss Vesta Saungweme | 7. A. Katso | |
| 8. P. Chakaza | 8. A. Moyo | 8. R. Chikosi | 8. R. Hlatiwayo | |
| 9. M. Chingwara | 9. T. Meda | 9. W. Chadokwa | 9. D. Jamela | |
| 10. Kagoro Felix Kadzombe | 10. J. Dhliwayo | 10. Mrs S. Nduku | 10. Mrs P. Nyahe | |
| MASHONALAND CENTRAL PROVINCE | ||||
| 1. Mucheki Kachidzwa | 1. R. Madanire | 1. Dr N. Munyoro | 1. N. Mutuma | |
| 2. Reki Mashayamombe | 2. D. Panashe | 2. E. Charirye | 2. S. Chimanikire | |
| 3. Micheck Nyika Chagadama | 3. A. Nyandoro | 3. L. Masawi | 3. K. Chitsike | |
| 4. Actor Mupinyuri | 4. R. Chiwaridza | 4. C. Katsande | 4. S. Chipiro | |
| 5. Terrence Mashambanhaka | 5. B. Chasi | 5. B. Gambanga | 5. S. Moyo | |
| MASHONALAND EAST PROVINCE | ||||
| 1. Henry Chihota | 1. Abel Tendekai Muzorewa | 1. Kingdom Sithole | 1. Joel Mandaza | 1. Leonard Mapuranga |
| 2. James Clever Mavunga Shereni | 2. Silas Mundawarara | 2. Ben Chanetsa | 2. Dr Joseph Gopo | 2. Alice Chinamora |
| 3. Rosten Gore | 3. Simon Chivaware Paraffin* | 3. Cyril Kachidza | 3. Abel Rumano | 3. Patrick Bwanya |
| 4. X. Mutendere | 4. Claudius Nhongonhema | 4. Robert Kachindamoto | 4. Dr Willie Nduka | 4. Walter Gawe |
| 5. W. Chitongo | 5. George Bodzo Nyandoro | 5. Fibion Munyuki | 5. Absolom Ndoro | 5. Mrs Stella Musarira |
| 6. D. Madamombe | 6. Ben Kuda Taputsa Mutasa | 6. Dominic Machaka | 6. Benjamini Muvuti | 6. Rogers Rutsito |
| 7. K. Muswe | 7. Enoch Dumbutshena* | 7. Marshall Mukono | 7. Mrs Evelyn Sithole | 7. Kenneth Dhluni |
| 8. L. Marufu | 8. Dr Dennis Nyamuswa | 8. Patrick Zemura** | 8. Mrs Siphikelelo Chizengeni | 8. Samuel Goredema |
| 9. J. Munda | 9. Beatrice Manyara Mutasa | 9. Mrs Sheila Tamuka | 9. Kesiwe Malindi | 9. Lewis Msengezi |
| 10. P. Mavunga | 10. Rev Farai David Muzorewa | 10. Nimrod Ndhlela | 10. Davison Sambo | 10. Canaan Gomwe |
| 11. Mrs. H. Shereni | 11. Essiah Zhuwarara* | 11. M. Chingate | 11. Tennyson Magura | 11. Joseph Chipiro |
| 12. Mrs L. Mzinyani | 12. Lazarus Mtungwazi | 12. Dexter Sibanda | 12. Stephen Marara | 12. Phillip Munzwa |
| 13. Aaron Rusike | 13. Raymond Chikarara Nyaude Madzima | 13. Dickson Moyo | 13. Douglas Mudzi | 13. Sidney Musoni |
| 14. Miss P. Matanda | 14. Evelyn Joyce Shava* | 14. Gilbert Moyo | 14. Moses Zhanje | 14. Stephen Gumbe |
| 15. D. Chitunda | 15. Avis Chikwana | 15. Stephen Kazingizi** | 15. Nassan Nengere | 15. Samuel Mavani |
| MASHONALAND WEST PROVINCE | ||||
| 1. Titus Garikayi Mukarati | 1. S. Mazibananga | 1. P. Mhlanga | 1. G. Magaramombe | |
| 2. Ronald Takawira Sadomba | 2. T. Kasvinga | 2. Mrs I. Chitate | 2. S. Nyamweda | |
| 3. Josiah Zinanga Mudzengi | 3. D. Ngondo | 3. N. Bangajena | 3. B. Nyandoro | |
| 4. Prof Stanlake John Samkange* | 4. Patrick Tozivepi** | 4. N. Mutandiwa | 4. A. Mudenda | |
| 5. Boniface Mhariwa Gumbo* | 5. F. Musiwa | 5. S. Mariga | 5. S. Chirenda | |
| 6. James Robert Dambaza Chikerema* | 6. Charles Zviyambwa** | 6. Mrs R. Mombeshore | 6. S. Mangwiro | |
| MATABELELAND NORTH PROVINCE | ||||
| 1. Ernest Leonard Bulle | 1. Lwazi Joel Mahlangu | 1. Phineas Sithole | 1. A. Mgutshini | |
| 2. Walter Nqabeni Mthimkhulu | 2. Peter Nkomo | 2. Zachariah Tongai Chigumira | 2. T. Madhana | |
| 3. David Murambiwa Mutasa | 3. M. Nyathi | 3. R. Zemura | 3. E. Chiwunye | |
| 4. Morgan Kugaraunzwana Machiya | 4. Brown Luza | 4. J. Ngaliwe | 4. R. Gunyela | |
| 5. Gerald Mthimkhulu | 5. Geshom Maplanka | 5. J. Ndebele | 5. T. Thebe | |
| 6. Abel Chimombe | 6. T. Ncube | 6. Mrs H. Zwambila | 6. W. Mapukanka | |
| 7. M. Tshuma | 7. Lot Enoch Dewa | 7. E. Ncube | 7. D. Mangena | |
| 8. Mrs Gladys Tiriboyi | 8. A. Mpofu | 8. G. Ncube | 8. A. Khumalo | |
| 9. P. Zumbika | 9. E. Mkandla | 9. L. Dlodlo | 9. L. Moyo | |
| 10. A. Mutasa | 10. A.M. Mpofu | 10. S. Dube | 10. S. Jubane | |
| MATABELELAND SOUTH PROVINCE | ||||
| 1. Joel Madewe Sigola | 1. Zephania Bafana | 1. Abraham Mazwi Khumalo | 1. G. Dewa | |
| 2. J. Tarugarira | 2. Robert Siyoka | 2. T. Mbuya | 2. E. Maposa | |
| 3. K. Nyabadzu | 3. Timoth Ndlovu | 3. P. Mpofu | 3. H. Dube | |
| 4. I. Ngulube | 4. S. Noko | 4. C. Malikongwa | 4. J. Bango | |
| 5. P. Maphosa | 5. E. Velile | 5. R. Simbi | 5. G. Ncube | |
| MIDLANDS PROVINCE | ||||
| 1. Misheck Hove | 1. Elijah Mukuchambano | 1. James Dzvova | 1. M. Malumisa | |
| 2. Lovemore Christopher Mbanga | 2. A. Gwemende | 2. Dr Edward Chitate | 2. Philip Elijah Chigogo | |
| 3. Joseph Jumo Bheka | 3. J. Dondo | 3. William Kambasha | 3. P. Chirinda | |
| 4. Lewis Bonda Gumbo | 4. S. Shama | 4. C. Mutambisi | 4. J. Maziwisa | |
| 5. John Kingston Nyahwata | 5. G. Tshuma | 5. J. Nyaguse | 5. L. Nhamo | |
| 6. Edmund Macheka | 6. K. Dube | 6. B. Magaisa | 6. A. Tafirenyika | |
| 7. John Karimanzira Kokera | 7. F. Ngulube | 7. U. Gokwe | 7. S. Hove | |
| 8. Abraham Chirwa | 8. N. Dhlamini | 8. V. Mashita | 8. S. Sibanda | |
| 9. F. Mutiti | 9. N. Ndhlovu | 9. Mrs O. Chidzongwa | 9. Chingona | |
| 10. W. Mugabiri | 10. M. Moyo | 10. J. Sithole | 10. M. Chibvute | |
| 11. S. Makura | 11. S. Mbambo | 11. L. Mambo | ||
| VICTORIA PROVINCE | ||||
| 1. Francis John Zindoga | 1. Peter Munyaradzi Mandaza | 1. Leonard Nyemba | 1. E. Badza | |
| 2. Smollie Poshi Mugudubi | 2. J. Chikukwa | 2. Edward Watungwa | 2. D. Gurajena | |
| 3. Christopher Donald Sakala | 3. P. Makoni | 3. Julius Chimedza | 3. John Hungwe | |
| 4. Herbert Office Benjamin Zimuto | 4. C. Marezva | 4. S. Mangwengwe | 4. B. Mazungunye | |
| 5. David Munandi | 5. G. Dziwa | 5. V. Chikukutu | 5. H. Makoni | |
| 6. John Lewis Mashakada | 6. E. Maphosa | 6. J. Hlalsi | 6. W. Mukaganwi | |
| 7. J. Maswoswe | 7. D. Mandishora | 7. L. Shinya | 7. J. Tagwireyi | |
| 8. G. Sadomba | 8. L. Sithole | 8. A. Mashiri | 8. T. Sithole | |
| 9. J. Muchineripi | 9. Mrs J. Sibanda | 9. Mrs E. Masangu | 9. R. Mhungu | |
| 10. B. Basera | 10. D. Makotere | 10. C. Marozva | 10. J. Masvinga | |
* - Subsequently formed the Zimbabwe Democratic Party (see below)
** - These candidates had resigned from the United National Federal Party and joined the Zimbabwe United Peoples' Organisation after nominations had closed. It was ruled that their candidatures stood.
[edit] White non-constituency members
Polling day was May 7, 1979. Eight seats were up for election.
| Rank | Party | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trevor Duncan Dollar | 71 |
| 2 | Derek Foxon Gawler | 63 |
| 3 | Wing-Commander Frederick Roy Simmonds | 62 |
| 4 | André Sothern Holland | 60 |
| 5 | Denys Sinclair Parkin | 58 |
| 6 | Bertram Ankers | 53 |
| 7 | Charles McKenzie Scott | 52 |
| 8 | Stanley Norman Eastwood | 46 |
| 9= | Arthur Denis Crook | 20 |
| 9= | Wing-Commander Robert James Gaunt | 20 |
| 11 | Donald Galbraith Goddard | 17 |
| 12 | Reginald Reed Beaver | 15 |
| 13 | John Cornelius Gleig | 12 |
| 14 | Air Marshall Archibald Oliver Garfield Wilson | 11 |
| 15 | Bernard Horace Mussett | 10 |
| 16 | Albertus Herman du Toit | 9 |
[edit] Changes during the Assembly
John Moses Chirimbani (UANC, Manicaland) was elected as the Speaker of the House of Assembly on May 8, 1979, and therefore an ex officio member. On May 25, John Zwenhamo Ruredzo was appointed to replace him.
Robert Siyoka (UNFP, Matabeleland South) resigned, and was replaced by Sami Thomani Siyoka on June 28, 1979.
On June 25, 1979 James Chikerema led a group of eight elected UANC members in resigning from the party, and on June 29 seven of the eight formed the Zimbabwe Democratic Party. Actor Mupinyuri (UANC, Mashonaland Central) rejoined the UANC shortly after resigning from it. The seven who joined are denoted by asterisks in the lists above. A questionable wording in the electoral law led to the UANC taking legal action to disqualify the seven on the grounds that they had to keep their membership of the party in order to remain members of the Assembly, but Chikerema was successful in defending the right to break away.
Hilary Gwyn Squires resigned in June 1979, moving to South Africa to take up a legal career. David Colville Smith was returned unopposed as Rhodesian Front candidate for Borrowdale constituency on July 24, 1979.
Terrence Mashambanhaka (UANC, Mashonaland Central) was murdered on September 16, 1979 after being lured to an ambush at 'peace talks' with ZANLA forces. Abel Muringazuwa Madombwe was appointed to the Assembly to replace him on November 27, 1979.
Theunis Christian de Klerk (RF, Lundi) was killed in a rocket attack on his home on September 20, 1979. Donald Galbraith Goddard was returned unopposed to follow him on November 30, 1979.
[edit] References
- Rhodesia Government Gazette (candidates for White Roll constituencies; elected MPs)
- The Herald (common roll constituencies and election results)
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