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1979 Rhodesian general election

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1979 Rhodesian general election

← 1977 10 April 1979 (white roll)
21 April 1979 (common roll)
1980 ⊟

All 100 seats in the House of Assembly
  First party Second party
 
Leader Abel Muzorewa Ian Smith
Party UANC RF
Leader's seat Mashonaland East Southern
Last election 50
Seats won 51 28
Seat change New Decrease 22

  Third party Fourth party
 
Leader Ndabaningi Sithole Kayisa Ndiweni
Party ZANU–Ndonga UNFP
Leader's seat Manicaland
Last election
Seats won 12 9
Seat change New New

Composition of the House of Assembly after the election

Prime Minister before election

Ian Smith
RF

Prime Minister-designate

Abel Muzorewa
UANC

General elections were held in Rhodesia in April 1979,[1][2][3] the first where the majority black population elected the majority of seats in parliament. The elections were held following the Internal Settlement negotiated by the Rhodesian Front government of Ian Smith and were intended to provide a peaceful transition to majority rule on terms not harmful to White Rhodesians. In accordance with the Internal Settlement, on 1 June, Rhodesia officially became the nation of Zimbabwe Rhodesia, under the government of the United African National Council elected in the 1979 elections. 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 the end of the dispute and the creation of Zimbabwe.

Electoral system

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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 old roll with property, income and education qualifications, which most black citizens did not meet, and 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 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.

Campaign

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The main question in the election campaign was how many Africans would vote in the common roll election. The Patriotic Front parties, Zimbabwe African National Union and Zimbabwe African People's Union, 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, the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) and Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (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.

Conduct

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Neither the nine-member Freedom House observer team or any other international observer teams reported any 'serious irregularities surrounding the counting or tabulation of the poll.' The subsequent Freedom House report noted that all major parties which wished to participate were free to nominate candidates and that any pressures to vote for a particular party 'did not affect the final returns sufficiently to discredit the general results of the elections.' The report concluded that, although the election was not 'fully democratic', 'Rhodesia had never had so inclusive and free an election'.[4]

Results

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PartyCommon rollWhite rollSeats
Votes%SeatsVotes%SeatsAppointedTotal
United African National Council1,212,63967.2751051
Zimbabwe African National Union – Ndonga262,92814.5812012
United National Federal Party194,44610.79909
Zimbabwe United People's Organisation114,5706.36000
National Democratic Union18,1751.01000
Rhodesian Front11,61381.9820828
Independent2,55218.02000
Total1,802,758100.007214,165100.00208100
Valid votes1,802,75896.45
Invalid/blank votes66,3193.55
Total votes1,869,077100.00
Registered voters/turnout2,900,00064.45
Source: African Elections Database, Freedom House

Common roll

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Polling day was 21 April 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 9,598 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

Candidates and elected members

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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 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. 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. Stanlake J. W. T. 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 Chikerema* 6. Charles Zviyambwa** 6. Mrs R. Mombeshore 6. S. Mangwiro
MATABELELAND NORTH PROVINCE
  1. Ernest 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. Chris Mbanga 2. A. Gwemende 2. 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 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.

White roll

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Polling day was 10 April 1979.

Constituency Candidate Party Votes
AVONDALE John Landau RF unopposed
BORROWDALE Hilary Squires RF unopposed
BULAWAYO CENTRAL Paddy Shields RF unopposed
BULAWAYO NORTH Denis Walker RF unopposed
BULAWAYO SOUTH Wally 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 P. K. van der Byl RF unopposed
HATFIELD Richard Cartwright RF 2,672
Charles James Britton Ind 334
Neville Ronald Arthur Skeates Ind 314
HIGHLANDS Mark Partridge RF unopposed
KOPJE Dennis Divaris RF 2,263
Mrs. Esther Rawson Ind 834
Leslie Thomas Hayes Ind 28
LUNDI Theunis 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 Chris Andersen RF unopposed
NORTHERN Esmond Micklem RF unopposed
SOUTHERN Ian Smith RF unopposed
WESTERN Alec Moseley RF unopposed

White non-constituency members

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Polling day was 7 May 1979. Eight seats were up for election.

Rank Party Votes
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 Gaunt 20
11 Donald Galbraith Goddard 17
12 Reginald Reed Beaver 15
13 John Cornelius Gleig 12
14 Air Marshal Archibald Wilson 11
15 Jack Mussett 10
16 Albertus Herman du Toit 9

Reactions

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The United Nations Security Council passed several resolutions against the "illegal" election, including Resolution 445 and Resolution 448, both of which argued that the election was not representative of the Zimbabwean people and was designed to entrench white minority rule. In these resolutions, the UN declared the results of the election null and void.

Aftermath

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Changes during the Assembly

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John Moses Chirimbani (UANC, Manicaland) was elected as the Speaker of the House of Assembly on 8 May 1979, and therefore an ex officio member. On 25 May, John Zwenhamo Ruredzo was appointed to replace him.

Robert Siyoka (UNFP, Matabeleland South) resigned, and was replaced by Sami Thomani Siyoka on 28 June 1979.

On 25 June 1979 James Chikerema led a group of eight elected UANC members in resigning from the party, and on 29 June 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 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 24 July 1979.

Terrence Mashambanhaka (UANC, Mashonaland Central) was murdered on 16 September 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 27 November 1979.

Theunis de Klerk (RF, Lundi) was killed in a rocket attack on his home on 20 September 1979. Donald Galbraith Goddard was returned unopposed to follow him on 30 November 1979.

Sources

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  • Rhodesia Government Gazette (candidates for White Roll constituencies; elected MPs)
  • The Herald (common roll constituencies and election results)

References

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  1. ^ April 1979 House of Assembly Election African Elections Database
  2. ^ John F. Burns (22 April 1979). "RHODESIAN ELECTION EMDS WITH TURNOUT PUT AT 65 PERCENT". The New York Times. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  3. ^ John F. Burns (25 April 1979). "Muzorewa Party Wins in Rhodesia With Bare Majority in Parliament". The New York Times. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  4. ^ Gastil, Raymond (June 1981). "Freedom in the World: Political Rights and Civil Liberties 1980" (PDF). Worldview. 24 (6): 157, 163, 170, 171 – via Freedom House.