14 received by the NCA in general support the view that violence is reduced, but they also allege that state security agencies are themselves implicated in electoral irregularities. As indicated by Figure 4 below, there are very disturbing allegations that the ZRP, and other security agencies, as well as government affiliated groups, are involved in human rights violations. It is evident that ZanuPF supporters are the major culprits in the reports received in February 2005, but it is also the case that there are a significant number of constituency reports that allege the involvement of the ZRP, the ZNA, and the CIO in human rights violations. Such allegations have been made in previous elections, as well as during the periods in-between elections, and it is incumbent upon the statutory authorities to ensure that a strong message is sent to all law enforcement bodies and security agencies that the rule of law must be obeyed without political favour. Here we would echo the comments of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights that it is not merely the case that governments and government agencies must avoid perpetrating human rights violations, but they must take active steps to ensure that such violations do not take place. It is not merely acts of commission that are deprecated, but also acts of omission. Figure 4. Physical Violence: Percentages of Constituencies and reported perpetrators 45% Percentage of constituencies 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% ZanuPF MDC Civic ZRP ZNA CIO Youth Other Perpetrator It is more disturbing when we consider the reports concerning gender-based political violence. As was noted above, there were a significant number of constituencies in which allegations of gender-based violence. As is seen from Figure 5 [see over], there are significant number of constituency reports that implicate the police and other security agencies in the perpetration of gender-based political violence. Again the youth and ZanuPF supporters are the greatest culprits, but the number of constituencies that allege the involvement of the police and other security agencies is disturbing to put it mildly. National Constitutional Assembly: Election Climate Reports.