Human Rights Watch interviewed a ZANU-PF supporter who confirmed that grain distribution from the GMB was subject to political interference. She told Human Rights Watch, “The mealie meal is only being accessed by us. It is very easy. Only those who are on the councillors’ lists can access the grain. A person who is not on the list cannot. Even at our rallies only known supporters of ZANU-PF are allowed to attend the rallies.”63 In effect, without a ZANU-PF party card people cannot register for or receive government-subsidized grain or farming equipment. It seems likely that such incidents of political interference will increase as the election date approaches. In Marange, Manicaland province, an elderly villager told Human Rights Watch, Maize that comes through GMB is given to the councillors who then give it to ZANU-PF supporters only. First of all you go through a rigorous exercise where they [local ZANU-PF councillors] go to kraal heads who ask about every individual and whether they go to ZANU-PF meetings. If someone hates you he can accuse you of belonging to the MDC and then [you] don’t get any food. A lot of people even though they support the MDC, they will not say it because you will starve if you say you support the MDC.64 Human Rights Watch received numerous similar reports during the course of its research missions. In its report on partisan food distribution, the ZPP documented discriminatory practices in the distribution of seed, tilling equipment, and agricultural credit. In total the organization recorded 179 such cases in September 2007.65 The politicization of giving out agricultural equipment and government-subsidized food in the period before the elections severely restricts the ability of Zimbabweans to freely support and vote for the party and candidate of their choosing. 63 Human Rights Watch interview with ZANU-PF supporter (name withheld), Chikanga, Mutare, Manicaland province, February 10, 2008. Several minutes into the interview the supporter expressed concern about revealing the ruling party’s activities in the area to Human Rights Watch and asked, “So am I a sell out now that I am telling you party secrets?” 64 Human Rights Watch interview with elderly villager (name withheld), Marange, Manicaland province, February 10, 2008. 65 ZPP, “Monthly Food Monitoring Report, September 2007.” All Over Again 26