a political party, participating in partisan politics or furthering the interests of any political party. The following are examples of some complaints received by ZHRC against Traditional Leaders: 3.11.1 During the pre-election period an Acting Headman (Patrick Mukahanana) from Ward 16, Mutasa Central Constituency in Manicaland, contested for a council seat as a ZANU PF political party member. It was reported that he was directing that all known opposition supporters in his area should be assisted to vote as he would not tolerate any vote for the opposition especially in his ward. ZHRC followed up on this matter and managed to establish that the allegation against the headman was true. ZHRC raised the matter with the police during the frequent briefing sessions which occurred between ZHRC and ZRP. The ZRP officials indicated to ZHRC that they had taken note of the matter and that they would investigate on the allegations. During one of its post-elections monitoring field visits, the ZHRC was then advised that the concerned individual had opted to let go of the traditional leadership acting position to pursue politics. When results for the councillors were announced ZHRC observed at the Ward Commanding Centre that the Acting Headman won the seat for councillor of Ward 16. 3.11.2 Chief Makuni from Ward 19, Rushinga Constituency in Mashonaland Central distributed Presidential inputs based on a beneficiary list that he allegedly compiled and which only benefited ZANU PF supporters. When ZHRC enquired about these allegations from the Chief, he disputed them although there were photographs showing distribution of food to people wearing ZANU PF regalia. The ZHRC further addressed the issue at a full Council meeting in Rushinga where the concerned Chief was present. The Chief indicated that once agricultural inputs are to be distributed in his village, everyone is informed and the inputs are divided amongst everyone. He indicated that the fact that someone is wearing a certain party t-shirt did not prejudice that person from benefiting from the food distribution. ZHRC referred the matter to the police for further investigation, in order to ensure that distribution of food aid and Presidential inputs was conducted fairly amongst all members of the community. However, at the time of reporting, no feedback had been received Page 31 of 55