1979 Rhodesian general election

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1979 Rhodesian general election
Flag of Rhodesia (1968-1979).svg
  1977 10 April 1979 (white roll)
21 April 1979 (common roll)
1980  

All 100 seats in the House of Assembly
 First partySecond party
  Muzorewa 1978 b.jpg Ian Smith 1975.jpg
Leader Abel Muzorewa Ian Smith
Party UANC RF
Leader's seatMashonaland EastSouthern
Last election50
Seats won5128
Seat changeNewDecrease2.svg 22

 Third partyFourth party
 
Leader Ndabaningi Sithole Kayisa Ndiweni
Party ZANU–Ndonga UNFP
Leader's seatManicaland
Last election
Seats won129
Seat changeNewNew

1979 Rhodesian general election results.svg
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.

Contents

Electoral system

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

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.

Results

PartyCommon rollWhite rollSeats
Votes%SeatsVotes%SeatsAppointedTotal
United African National Council 1,212,63967.2751051
Zimbabwe African National Union – Ndonga 262,92814.5812012
United National Federal Party 194,44610.79909
Zimbabwe United People's Organisation 114,5706.36000
National Democratic Union18,1751.01000
Rhodesian Front 11,61381.9820828
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

Polling day was 21 April 1979.

ProvinceEst. electorateNDUUANCUNFPZANUZUPO
Votes%SeatsVotes%SeatsVotes%SeatsVotes%SeatsVotes%Seats
Manicaland (10)402,70097,99453.768,3984.669,13637.947,1153.9
Mashonaland Central (5)187,800138,36080.759,5985.616,9689.96,5823.8
Mashonaland East (15)588,30018,1753.3428,59978.21520,2923.739,4617.241,7677.6
Mashonaland West (6)264,300245,73783.4612,9414.424,6828.411,2283.8
Matabeleland North (10)383,40079,10840.8575,35038.9422,24211.5116,9858.8
Matabeleland South (5)191,20010,31820.0130,31858.937,36514.313,5026.8
Midlands (11)419,600137,12060.6724,00610.6147,52521.0317,5517.8
Victoria (10)388,90075,40356.1613,54310.1135,54926.539,8407.3

Candidates and elected members

NDUUANCUNFPZANUZUPO
MANICALAND PROVINCE
 1. Edward Stewart Mazaiwana 1. A. Siwellah1. Rev. Ndabaningi Sithole 1. P. Ndoro
 2. David Charles Zvinaiye Mukome 2. C. Jenah2. Noel Mukono 2. P. Mubekati
 3. Simpson Victor Mtambenengwe 3. G. Gwenzi3. David Zamchiya 3. T. Makunde
 4. Elijah Smile Magavan Nyandoro 4. L. Chiyangwa4. Arnold Sawanha 4. N. Chingomo
 5. John Moses Chirimbani 5. E. Matsika5. D. Charangwa5. L. Mufararipwa
 6. Maxwell Pfereyegota Chambara 6. K. Dhlamini6. [C. Chiremba (deceased)]6. J. Tandi
 7. John Zwenhamo Ruredzo7. J. Manjengwa7. Miss Vesta Saungweme7. A. Katso
 8. P. Chakaza8. A. Moyo8. R. Chikosi8. R. Hlatiwayo
 9. M. Chingwara9. T. Meda9. W. Chadokwa9. D. Jamela
 10. Kagoro Felix Kadzombe10. J. Dhliwayo10. Mrs S. Nduku10. Mrs P. Nyahe
MASHONALAND CENTRAL PROVINCE
 1. Mucheki Kachidzwa 1. R. Madanire1. Dr N. Munyoro1. N. Mutuma
 2. Reki Mashayamombe 2. D. Panashe2. E. Charirye2. S. Chimanikire
 3. Micheck Nyika Chagadama 3. A. Nyandoro3. L. Masawi3. K. Chitsike
 4. Actor Mupinyuri 4. R. Chiwaridza4. C. Katsande4. S. Chipiro
 5. Terrence Mashambanhaka 5. B. Chasi5. B. Gambanga5. S. Moyo
MASHONALAND EAST PROVINCE
1. Henry Chihota1. Abel Muzorewa 1. Kingdom Sithole1. Joel Mandaza1. Leonard Mapuranga
2. James Clever Mavunga Shereni2. Silas Mundawarara 2. Ben Chanetsa2. Dr Joseph Gopo2. Alice Chinamora
3. Rosten Gore3. Simon Chivaware Paraffin *3. Cyril Kachidza3. Abel Rumano3. Patrick Bwanya
4. X. Mutendere4. Claudius Nhongonhema 4. Robert Kachindamoto4. Dr Willie Nduka4. Walter Gawe
5. W. Chitongo5. George Bodzo Nyandoro 5. Fibion Munyuki5. Absolom Ndoro5. Mrs Stella Musarira
6. D. Madamombe6. Ben Kuda Taputsa Mutasa 6. Dominic Machaka6. Benjamini Muvuti6. Rogers Rutsito
7. K. Muswe7. Enoch Dumbutshena *7. Marshall Mukono7. Mrs Evelyn Sithole7. Kenneth Dhluni
8. L. Marufu8. Dennis Nyamuswa 8. Patrick Zemura**8. Mrs Siphikelelo Chizengeni8. Samuel Goredema
9. J. Munda9. Beatrice Manyara Mutasa 9. Mrs Sheila Tamuka9. Kesiwe Malindi9. Lewis Msengezi
10. P. Mavunga10. Rev. Farai David Muzorewa 10. Nimrod Ndhlela10. Davison Sambo10. Canaan Gomwe
11. Mrs. H. Shereni11. Essiah Zhuwarara *11. M. Chingate11. Tennyson Magura11. Joseph Chipiro
12. Mrs L. Mzinyani12. Lazarus Mtungwazi 12. Dexter Sibanda12. Stephen Marara12. Phillip Munzwa
13. Aaron Rusike13. Raymond Chikarara Nyaude Madzima 13. Dickson Moyo13. Douglas Mudzi13. Sidney Musoni
14. Miss P. Matanda14. Evelyn Joyce Shava *14. Gilbert Moyo14. Moses Zhanje14. Stephen Gumbe
15. D. Chitunda15. Avis Chikwana 15. Stephen Kazingizi**15. Nassan Nengere15. Samuel Mavani
MASHONALAND WEST PROVINCE
 1. Titus Garikayi Mukarati 1. S. Mazibananga1. P. Mhlanga1. G. Magaramombe
 2. Ronald Takawira Sadomba 2. T. Kasvinga2. Mrs I. Chitate2. S. Nyamweda
 3. Josiah Zinanga Mudzengi 3. D. Ngondo3. N. Bangajena3. B. Nyandoro
 4. Stanlake J. W. T. Samkange *4. Patrick Tozivepi**4. N. Mutandiwa4. A. Mudenda
 5. Boniface Mhariwa Gumbo *5. F. Musiwa5. S. Mariga5. S. Chirenda
 6. James Chikerema *6. Charles Zviyambwa**6. Mrs R. Mombeshore6. 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 Chigumira2. T. Madhana
 3. David Murambiwa Mutasa 3. M. Nyathi3. R. Zemura3. E. Chiwunye
 4. Morgan Kugaraunzwana Machiya 4. Brown Luza 4. J. Ngaliwe4. R. Gunyela
 5. Gerald Mthimkhulu 5. Geshom Maplanka 5. J. Ndebele5. T. Thebe
 6. Abel Chimombe6. T. Ncube6. Mrs H. Zwambila6. W. Mapukanka
 7. M. Tshuma7. Lot Enoch Dewa7. E. Ncube7. D. Mangena
 8. Mrs Gladys Tiriboyi8. A. Mpofu8. G. Ncube8. A. Khumalo
 9. P. Zumbika9. E. Mkandla9. L. Dlodlo9. L. Moyo
 10. A. Mutasa10. A.M. Mpofu10. S. Dube10. S. Jubane
MATABELELAND SOUTH PROVINCE
 1. Joel Madewe Sigola 1. Zephania Bafana 1. Abraham Mazwi Khumalo 1. G. Dewa
 2. J. Tarugarira2. Robert Siyoka 2. T. Mbuya2. E. Maposa
 3. K. Nyabadzu3. Timoth Ndlovu 3. P. Mpofu3. H. Dube
 4. I. Ngulube4. S. Noko4. C. Malikongwa4. J. Bango
 5. P. Maphosa5. E. Velile5. R. Simbi5. G. Ncube
MIDLANDS PROVINCE
 1. Misheck Hove 1. Elijah Mukuchambano 1. James Dzvova 1. M. Malumisa
 2. Chris Mbanga 2. A. Gwemende2. Edward Chitate 2. Philip Elijah Chigogo
 3. Joseph Jumo Bheka 3. J. Dondo3. William Kambasha 3. P. Chirinda
 4. Lewis Bonda Gumbo 4. S. Shama4. C. Mutambisi4. J. Maziwisa
 5. John Kingston Nyahwata 5. G. Tshuma5. J. Nyaguse5. L. Nhamo
 6. Edmund Macheka 6. K. Dube6. B. Magaisa6. A. Tafirenyika
 7. John Karimanzira Kokera 7. F. Ngulube7. U. Gokwe7. S. Hove
 8. Abraham Chirwa8. N. Dhlamini8. V. Mashita8. S. Sibanda
 9. F. Mutiti9. N. Ndhlovu9. Mrs O. Chidzongwa9. Chingona
 10. W. Mugabiri10. M. Moyo10. J. Sithole10. M. Chibvute
 11. S. Makura11. S. Mbambo11. L. Mambo 
VICTORIA PROVINCE
 1. Francis John Zindoga 1. Peter Munyaradzi Mandaza 1. Leonard Nyemba 1. E. Badza
 2. Smollie Poshi Mugudubi 2. J. Chikukwa2. Edward Watungwa 2. D. Gurajena
 3. Christopher Donald Sakala 3. P. Makoni3. Julius Chimedza 3. John Hungwe
 4. Herbert Zimuto 4. C. Marezva4. S. Mangwengwe4. B. Mazungunye
 5. David Munandi 5. G. Dziwa5. V. Chikukutu5. H. Makoni
 6. John Lewis Mashakada 6. E. Maphosa6. J. Hlalsi6. W. Mukaganwi
 7. J. Maswoswe7. D. Mandishora7. L. Shinya7. J. Tagwireyi
 8. G. Sadomba8. L. Sithole8. A. Mashiri8. T. Sithole
 9. J. Muchineripi9. Mrs J. Sibanda9. Mrs E. Masangu9. R. Mhungu
 10. B. Basera10. D. Makotere10. C. Marozva10. 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

Polling day was 10 April 1979.

ConstituencyCandidatePartyVotes
AVONDALE John Landau RFunopposed
BORROWDALE Hilary Squires RFunopposed
BULAWAYO CENTRAL Paddy Shields RFunopposed
BULAWAYO NORTH Denis Walker RFunopposed
BULAWAYO SOUTH Wally Stuttaford RF4,140
Francis Robert BertrandInd500
Jan (John) Francis BetchInd57
CENTRAL Rowan Cronjé RFunopposed
EASTERN Desmond Butler RF2,538
John Constantinos KircosInd485
GATOOMA/HARTLEY P. K. van der Byl RFunopposed
HATFIELD Richard Cartwright RF2,672
Charles James BrittonInd334
Neville Ronald Arthur SkeatesInd314
HIGHLANDS Mark Partridge RFunopposed
KOPJE Dennis Divaris RF2,263
Mrs. Esther RawsonInd834
Leslie Thomas HayesInd28
LUNDI Theunis de Klerk RFunopposed
MAKONI Jacobus Phillipus du Plessis RFunopposed
MARLBOROUGH William Michie Irvine RFunopposed
MAZOE/MTOKO Cecil Millar RFunopposed
MIDLANDS Henry Swan Elsworth RFunopposed
MOUNT PLEASANT Chris Andersen RFunopposed
NORTHERN Esmond Micklem RFunopposed
SOUTHERN Ian Smith RFunopposed
WESTERN Alec Moseley RFunopposed

White non-constituency members

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

RankPartyVotes
1 Trevor Duncan Dollar 71
2 Derek Foxon Gawler 63
3Wing-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
14Air Marshal Archibald Wilson 11
15 Jack Mussett 10
16 Albertus Herman du Toit 9

Changes during the Assembly

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.

United Nations reaction

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.

Sources

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References

  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.