Above: One of the sports tournaments organised by Mutoko Youth Initiatives where voters were entertained as well as encouraged to vote in peace. 6.5. Intimidation Electoral violence includes threats, verbal intimidation, hate speech, physical assault, destruction of property, and other acts intended to influence or delay an election.3 While there were no reported cases of overt violence, covert violence, particularly threats and intimidation, was rife. For example, because of the background where, in previous elections, retributive actions have been taken against people suspected of having voted for certain candidates, reports of a statement made at a ZANU-PF rally that “Zivai pekuvhotera” (Know who to vote for) could be deemed intimidatory. Worryingly, the role of observers has yet to be fully understood by some electoral stakeholders. ZESN has received reports of some observers who were threatened in the post-election period of the 30 July harmonised elections in many constituencies while, in Mutoko North, one ZESN observer was even threatened with unspecified action or disappearance ahead of the by-election. 6.6. Freedom of speech Reports were received from a number of wards in the constituency that people were not free to speak about politics, particularly saying anything bad about the ruling party or applauding the opposition as they feared victimisation by ZANU-PF supporters, particularly war veterans. There is therefore need to continuously promote the freedom of speech that must be enjoyed by citizens. 3 Inter-Parliamentary Union, 2014 13