person for such purposes. In the run-up to the Election Day, threats were made by ZANU-PF supporters that there would be retribution for those who would not vote for the party’s presidential candidate. There were also incidents of the withholding of food aid to those who were known or perceived to be non-supporters of ZANU-PF. In terms of Section 133B, subsection (d) of the Electoral Act, it is unlawful to compel or attempt to compel a person or persons generally to attend or participate in any political meeting, march, demonstration or other political event. In the run up to the 30 July election, ZESN received a few reports of some opposition supporters being forced to attend ZANU-PF political party rallies and others who were stopped from attending rallies for their parties by supporters of the ZANU-PF party in Zengeza West and Chikanga-Dangamvura constituencies. Further, on 18 July 2018, suspected ZANU-PF youths reportedly stormed an MDC Alliance rally in Caledonia and indiscriminately assaulted attendees in a matter that was reported at the Mabvuku Police Station. Also, in two reported incidents, one in Bindura, rally attendees were not at liberty to leave ZANU-PF rallies in progress. It is also unlawful to use hate language against other electoral stakeholders. Paragraph 6 of the Fourth Schedule to the Electoral Act Chapter 2:13 prohibits the use of hate language which incites violence towards any individual or group including in speeches, songs, and slogans by any political party or any of its members and supporters, a candidate or any of his or her supporters. In spite of this, some candidates and their supporters used hate language in their campaigns ahead of the election. For example, MDC Alliance supporters scolded the ZANU-PF’s top leadership and the party as they sang their campaign songs along Nerupiri Chikomo road on 10 July in Gutu South Ward 30. For a fair electoral contest, the playing field should be even for all contestants. It is often the case that some perquisites come along with State incumbency thereby skewing the playing field. In campaigning for the election, ZANU-PF unfairly benefitted from the misuse of government resources such as vehicles, helicopters, and State media. The party also enjoyed the privilege to use government venues that other parties were not allowed to use. For instance, in Gokwe Nembudziya the MDC Alliance had to resort to holding party primaries at a homestead after being denied the use of public grounds. However, ZESN LTOs could not establish if ZANU-PF paid for the use of these venues. ZANU-PF also benefited from the partisan role of traditional leaders against the key principle of non-partisanship governing the institution of traditional leadership. For instance, at a meeting held after an MDC Alliance rally in the area, on 15 July 2018 in Chipinge Central Ward 6, a kraal head, who is a war veteran, interrogated and threatened supporters of the opposition formation. In the company of the kraal head were the councillor for the Ward and a known ZANU-PF activist. The residents were further warned that torture camps had 60 | P a g e