6.7. Freedom of Association Opposition supporters were also reportedly not free to wear party regalia, again because they feared victimisation by ZANU-PF supporters, particularly war veterans. In Ward 4, people were cautioned that they risked losing their property if they voted for an opposition party. People also choose to associate with the ruling party so that they do not risk losing out on food aid that is deliberately politicized. It was also reported that those seen participating in activities of the MDC Alliance would not get any benefits from government programmes. These instances are in violation of the freedom of association that must be enjoyed by voters. At a rally held on 3 November 2018 in Botsanzira Village, those who would vote for the MDC Alliance were cautioned that they risked losing their lives. At the same rally, it was reported that a speaker warned that blood would be spilt if people were to vote for the opposition which was blamed for the suffering that people are currently going through. 6.8. Freedom of Assembly LTOs reported on cases where people were forced to attend ZANU-PF rallies. This was reported in Wards 4, 6, and 12. In some cases, while people were not necessarily forced to attend rallies, they would opt to attend without being compelled as they feared victimization. 6.9. Female Candidates As has generally been the case with previous by-elections, none of the contesting political parties fielded a female candidate. For the Mutoko North by-election, this is even more important because the seat had been held by a female Member of Parliament, Mabel Chinomona of ZANU-PF. In spite of this, even ZANU-PF fielded a male candidate for the byelection. This is a cause of concern particularly as the special gender quota that reserves seats for woman in Parliament is lapsing with the end of term of the 9th parliament. An opportunity was missed to deliberately attempt to increase the number of female representatives in Parliament. 7. ELECTION CAMPAIGNS 7.1. Investment in and visibility of campaigns There were no visible political party activities in the constituency until the last week of October. Towards the end of October, the MDC Alliance started to hold meetings in the constituency, followed by ZANU-PF that held meetings and campaign rallies. There was a 14