4.1. Nature of the campaigns The Chiwundura by-election was poorly contested, despite the fact that four political parties were contesting the by-election. The contestants and their respective political parties were Mr Brown Ndlovu of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic (ZANU-PF), Mr Takudzwa Guzete of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), Mr Brighton Mudzwiti of FreeZim Congress and Mr Webster Zulu of Progressive Democrats of Zimbabwe (PDZ). ZESN observed that the environment prior to the election was relatively tense with reports of political intolerance and isolated incidence of violence in the build-up to the by-election. Reports of intimidation of voters and partisan distribution of food aid were also noted, particularly in Ward 14. Only one party, ZANU PF was visible in terms of campaigns, with some of its rallies addressed by the party’s top leaders, such as Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Political Commissar Saviour Kasukuwere. The party also held door-to door campaigns. However, the other contesting parties’ campaigns were not very visible according to ZESN members who reside in the Constituency. ZESN observers reported that during the campaigns prospective voters were threatened with unspecified action should the opposition parties win the by-election. In keeping with trends in past elections, some traditional leaders continue to campaign for the ruling party, in contravention of the traditional leaders act, which forbids their participation in partisan politics. For instance Mr Chenjerai Rukweza of ward 9 was reported to serve a dual role as village headman and also branch chairperson of ZANU-PF. It would appear that some of the political parties that fielded candidates in this by-election did so just to register their existence to the electorate and possibly gauge how the electorate would receive them. For Instance the NCA candidate, Mr Guzete is reported to have said that the NCA was contesting in this by-election just to gauge its strength in the 14 | P a g e