6 In the end, nearly 24,000 registered Marondera West voters cast their votes. It was noteworthy that 64% of the total number of registered voters failed to cast their ballots. Such a low turnout can suggest that powerful forces were at work to keep people away from the voting booths, but it is also common for very low polls in bye-elections shortly after general elections. Although Zanu (PF) won yet again, the MDC closed the gap, despite the reports of frequent intimidation against their supporters. In total votes, the MDC lost only by only 200 votes, finishing with 4,570 in the by-election. Zanu (PF) lost nearly 4,000 votes compared to the parliamentary election but still finished with 7,376. Free and fair conditions were not observed 10. 3. Bikita West By-election – 13-14 January 2001 The Bikita West by-election, held after MDC MP, Amos Mutongi, died from cancer in October 2000, was yet another opportunity for both parties to prove themselves after the parliamentary elections. It was the second bye-election to be held after the General Election in June 2000. Early on in the campaign it was clear that this was much more than a simple parliamentary election. Bikita West had been relatively peaceful during the 2000 elections: there had been very few reports of human rights violations during the general election, and virtually no cases seen by the AMANI Trust during the same period. But with national and international attention upon the constituency, both parties pulled out all the stops to highlight the election’s importance. For the MDC it was crucial to demonstrate that they could also hold on to a seat, just as Zanu(PF) had held on to Marondera West. Zanu (PF) showcased its power most blatantly. It started by deploying national war veteran leader, Chenjerai ‘Hitler’ Hunzvi, and the war veteran militia to intimidate opposition supporters in the area. These militias joined with farm invaders shipped in from other constituencies to do the campaigning. The militias and invaders started by disrupting a number of MDC meetings, intimidating traditional leaders into supporting the ruling party, and forcing residents to attend party rallies. They also went to great lengths to destroy MDC posters, leaflets and other election materials. Ruling party officials visited the constituency in droves and sent the message that all of Zanu (PF) was watching the election. Numerous members of parliament visited the constituency and Masvingo Provincial Governor, Josiah Hungwe, spoke at Zanu (PF) rallies. Minister for Youth, Gender and Employment Creation, Border Gezi, travelled around the region distributing money for development projects, a common Zanu (PF) practice before an election. Some residents were told that money they were to receive for drought relief and welfare was dependent on their support for the party. Zanu (PF) also used government resources such as vehicles during the campaign. Zanu (PF) devoted part of its campaign to ensuring that only party loyalists could vote. No new voter registration was undertaken for the election. In addition, many residents were told that cameras inside the ballot boxes could be used to link a voter with his ballot. The implication that there would be serious consequences for anyone who voted against Zanu (PF) was obvious to all. MDC members were also implicated in violence, but these acts, although worthy of condemnation, were largely unorganized and mostly committed in retaliation. According to the 10 See Zimbabwe Election Support Network (2001), Marondera West Constituency By-Election,December 2000, HARARE: ZESN. AMANI TRUST: Organised Violence and Torture in the Bye-Elections held in Zimbabwe during 2000 and 2001.