ZHRC monitors noted that this element of the election process was misleading and could be considered as an intimidation towards the electorate, which curtails the right to make political choices freely as enshrined in section 67 (1) (b) of the Constitution. Although the BVR serial numbers do not ascertain where or how a person votes, some members of the public informed ZHRC monitors that they believed that the numbers could be used for that purpose thereby impacting on their right to vote for candidates of their choice. In addition, citizens in some Constituencies were afraid that if they refused to submit their BVR serial numbers they would be disadvantaged in receiving food aid 4.11. Presence of Uniformed Forces ZHRC observed the presence of police officers at all the polling stations visited. ZHRC was advised that some of these police personnel were the Presiding and Polling Officers. Some of them were offering security services during the processes. ZHRC did not observe any incidence in which the Police interfered with the voting process. In some areas where there was some chaos taking place, ZHRC observed a heavier presence of the Police. The police at most of the Polling stations were not armed, except for those observed by ZHRC at Machipisa Polling Station. However, in other areas in Matabeleland North and Harare North, the issue of the ZRP officers being Presiding officers generated queries from some party members and aspiring candidates questioning their national duty and the need for police to remain nonpartisan. ZHRC commends the role played by the Zimbabwe Republic Police in promoting peace and order during the ZANU PF Primary Elections. However, the ZHRC monitors raised red flags on the use of the police in some instances as presiding officers in a intraparty primary election as this had the effect of undermining the role of the police to be apolitical and non-partisan. 4.12. Rights of Special Interest Groups ZHRC commends the efforts made by the Elections Officials in ensuring that the rights of special interest groups were promoted during the voting processes. There were Page 17 of 22