In the month of March, Zanu PF conducted their internal process of choosing candidates; the primary
elections. The race for power resulted in the use of violence internally within Zanu PF and this for all intents
and purposes is an indicator that the upcoming harmonized elections are likely to be more violent. Zanu PF
candidates threatened, harassed and intimidated each other and in some instances death threats were also
reported. The need by Zanu PF activists to control and cling to power in communities across the country also
led them to harass and intimidate citizens and opposition supporters particularly the Citizen’s Coalition for
Change (CCC) members. Although the polling process was described by many as relatively peaceful, it was
marred by violations and irregularities. During the elections, many voters had their names missing on voters
rolls and some people did not manage to vote. The voters roll used was the cell register after months of
restructuring the same. In some polling stations, there were some delays in the opening hours for voting. The
abuse of women candidates was recorded in some areas such as Mangwe constituency where one of the
candidates, Hlalani Mguni’s posters were being torn off. Mguni is the widow of the former Member of
Parliament for Mangwe, Obedingwa Mguni.
As the 2023 harmonised elections draw closer, the security forces received a 400% salary increase. The
government’s decision to award soldiers and police a salary increment has been seen as an attempt to
ensure the loyalty of the security forces as the country braces for the 2023 harmonised elections. The
selective pay hike for security forces comes as teachers had rejected a 50% increase in their local currency
wages.
During the opening of the 2023 Annual National Chiefs Conference in Bulawayo, President Mnangagwa stated
that Chiefs in Zimbabwe would be receiving medical cover to be administered by the Premier Service Medical
Aid Society. This was said while handing over a medical aid card to National Council of Chiefs president
Fortune Charumbira. The President also handed over motor vehicles to chiefs for use as they traverse their
jurisdiction meeting communities. In recent years, ZPP has documented how chiefs and traditional leaders
have been central in mobilising and campaigning for Zanu PF in rural areas through intimidation.
The Monthly Monitoring Report (MMR) is a compilation of human rights violations in Zimbabwe. In addition to
identifying offenders, the report informs the public about the state of social, political, economic, civil, and
cultural rights and is used to develop advocacy activities with various stakeholders. ZPP launched the
#RRRV2023 campaign in advance of the elections to mobilise citizens to Resist, Reject, and Report violence.
The movement seeks to establish a free and fair electoral process where voters may express their
displeasure and report electoral irregularities while also becoming more alert and responsive to put pressure
on duty-bearers to take responsibility for their conduct.
MARCH 2023
The Zimbabwe Peace Project Monthly Monitoring Report
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