and ZEC, instituting a neutral police force and army, and ensuring freedom for parties to campaign [Q53B]. Roles for SADC Zimbabweans see important roles for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in forthcoming elections in Zimbabwe. Asked what SADC actions they believe should be undertaken when Zimbabweans parties practice violence and intimidation in elections [Q59], the top-three suggested actions were (on the same question): 38% – a peace-keeping force should be sent into Zimbabwe; 28% – SADC should take over the running of the elections; and 17% –SADC should refuse to recognise the results of the perpetrating party. This indicated that 59% of Zimbabweans see the need for SADC intervention in elections in Zimbabwe, in the case of violence and intimidation being perpetrated. 6.5 Violence and elections – main trends As the bottom-line, violence and elections are intricately linked in Zimbabwean politics – both historically and continuing today. Zimbabweans appear to accept this as a given, although many believe that it need not be the case. There is little evidence that Zimbabweans expect a next round of elections to be violence-free, although large proportions of optimists hold out hope that ‘more free and fair than in the past’ will be the new norm. The detailed trends on elections and violence were: Each time there are important political decisions to be made in Zimbabwe, violence and intimidation surface – 76% agreed or strongly agreed with this statement [Q47D]. Elections are equally associated with fear -- 46% disagreed with the statement that this time around, there will be nothing to fear [Q54B]; new elections will reopen the wounds of violence and fear that are associated with election times in Zimbabwe [Q47B]. ‘Fear of violence and intimidation will affect the vote’ [Q47E] – 74% agreed with this statement. There have been many recent experiences (2008-10] of politically motivated violence and intimidation in the communities (58%) [Q50]. There is fear of intimidation in election campaigns [Q42C]; 54% disagreed with the statement that opposition parties will be able to participate in elections without fear [Q54A]. Elections will not be free of security force intimidation, was believed by 45% [Q54C]. Election Day itself, however, is somewhat different from the general setting of fear – come Election Day, Zimbabweans will bury their fears and will go out and vote – 33% agreed [Q65]. The majority, however, reckon that fear of violence and intimidation will make Zimbabweans stay away from the polls (55%) [Q65]. International and domestic observers will help make Zimbabweans feel safe at the polls [Q57A]. 55