3 There were a number of clashes between members of rival political parties⎯some may have been produced by local tensions and others are retaliatory. MDC supporters were arrested in connection with several of these incidents. There were also lashes between Zanu (PF) supporters of rival factions, resulting in one death, as well as injuries and property damage. However, both the data bases of the AMANI Trust and the Human Rights Research Unit clearly indicate that the perpetrators were massively Zanu(PF) supporters in one form or another, whilst the victims were overwhelmingly supporters of the MDC or ordinary citizens. The state-controlled media, the government and the police have exaggerated the extent and nature of “MDC violence”. Repeated claims that the leadership of the opposition is engaged in the planning and implementation of violence are unsubstantiated and would seem to be part of an attempt on the part of Zanu (PF) to manufacture a justification for its own actions. Here the State has recently attempted to prosecute the leader of the MDC, Mr Morgan Tsvungirai, for making remarks instigating violence, but has been forced to drop this attempt. In a subversion of all democratic norms, opposition candidates and their supporters were publicly identified as the enemy and were deemed to be traitors and sell-outs. A barrage of racist abuse was used, and continues to be used, to whip up hatred by trying to depict the MDC as a front for the protection of the interests of the white minority. Racist arguments have been used to encourage violence against black and white supporters of the opposition alike. Furthermore, the land invasions, which began at the end of the February, have served as a pretext and a cover for violence, and they were an integral part of the ruling party’s political and logistical strategy for electoral victory. Political violence has been practically and ideologically sustained by the farm invasions, with the invaders themselves taking a leading role. Farms were a source of food and support for the attackers, and centres for the organisation of violence targeting farm workers and rural communities. With a farm worker population of between 300-400,000 plus their dependents, the occupations allowed for the intimidation of large numbers of potential voters. The violence has been condoned by both the Executive and the Government. President Mugabe has continually made clear his support for the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) and its leader Dr Chenjerai Hunzvi. He initially engaged the ZLWVA to spearhead the party’s election campaign, allocating them $20 million for this purpose. The President has condoned or excused the murders and innumerable human rights abuses which have been perpetrated by the war veterans and their supporters in the course of their campaign. He has ordered the police not to take action against the farm invaders, ignoring court rulings requiring them to do so. This has seriously undermined the administration of law and order. Finally, he has granted a general amnesty for the vast majority of the human rights