3.1.
THREATS AND INTIMIDATION
A number of cases of threats and intimidation were received from 10 Provinces
in contravention of section 133B(c ) of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13]. By 29
July 2018, a total of 31 cases had been received by the ZHRC of voters being
compelled to vote for a particular party by those in places of authority such as
Chiefs and Headman. The situation was especially worrisome in Mashonaland
East Province which received reports of intimidation and threats in most of the
16 constituencies in violation of the right to freedom of expression as stated in
section 61 of the Constitution, and to freedom of assembly, association and
choice as provided for in section 58 of the Constitution.
It was further noted that the greatest number of threats and intimidation arose
from the social media which threats were of great concern because of their
insidious nature.
3.2.
PARTISAN FOOD DISTRIBUTION
The ZHRC before the election, carried out investigations on partisan food
distribution and made recommendations to the relevant stakeholders. The
same trend continued in a number of constituencies with the ZHRC receiving
reports and observing partisan distribution of Presidential Input program in 9
constituencies. Some of the constituencies where ZHRC witnessed partisan
distribution of food were at Munyoro business centre, Chikomba East, Ward 23
in Macheke, Murehwa South constituency, Hwedza South, Masvingo North
(Zaka North West and Central, Ward 32); Matebeleland North (Tshino Ward 6,
and 3) Matebeleland South (Sigola, Siphezini and Esigodini in Umzingwane
Constituency), Gokwe Central Constituency, in Ndlalambi, Ward 20, where
mostly rice was being distributed at ZANU PF gatherings at the exclusion of the
general needy public.