November 2016 Chimanimani Political Environment Outlook 7 Number of Violations 6 5 Intimidation 4 Unfair/Partisan Aid Distribution 3 Vote Buying Destruction of Property 2 1 0 Nature of Violations NB: Vote buying means any distribution of material benefits meant to influence the voting behaviour of local citizens. 7. Conclusion Violence and other forms of violations are expected to be less in Chimanimani West comparatively to the 2008 and 2013 cases. However, it is worrying that unorthodox covert means can be used by the ruling party in a bid to win the elections while in the process violating the people’s right to vote peacefully. ZANU PF’s loss in the Norton by-elections has a high potential to make the Chimanimani election a must win thereby leaving the Party with no option but intimidation and violence. It is therefore, advisable to voters to be watchful of any possible provocations, threats of or actual violence against them. All candidates participating in the Chimanimani West by-election are urged to denounce violence, cooperate with law enforcement agencies to unearth any shenanigans that violate our Zimbabwean electoral laws as well as the SADC Guidelines on the Conduct of democratic, Free Fair and Credible Elections. 6