3.13 Pre-Election Complaints Received and Investigated A total of 77 cases were received and investigated by the Commission across the 10 Provinces, during the period January to July 2018 when the Commission commenced pre-election monitoring. These cases were more prevalent in Manicaland Province, Mashonaland East Province and Masvingo Province. There were investigations of numerous human rights issues which affected contesting candidates and the electorate. A total of 38 out of the 77 cases concerned matters of intimidation, where the electorate were compelled to vote for ZANU PF or risk infliction of bodily harm or injury or destruction of their property, in contravention of Section 133A (a and c) of the Electoral Act. Traditional Leaders and ZANU PF political party members were identified and confirmed as perpetrators of these violations. The second highest category of complaints received by ZHRC related to vote buying in the form of partisan distribution of food aid and Presidential Agricultural Inputs. ZANU PF political party members and Traditional Leaders were identified as perpetrators through distribution of these goods at ZANU PF gatherings and rallies only thereby unfairly discriminating against other members of the community who belonged to different political parties. The classification of electoral interference refers to issues relating to hate speech and disruption of political campaigns. Page 33 of 55

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