Major Highlights
Campaigns and Environment
The political environment was not conducive
for citizens to exercise their political rights
and freedoms of assembly and association
freely without fear or intimidation. The ruling
party Zanu PF held rallies countrywide where
people were reportedly coerced to attend
campaigns against their will.
Zanu PF held campaign rallies in Masvingo, Muzarabani South, Mashonaland West and
Matabeleland South provinces. Many people who attended these rallies were subjected to
threats, intimidation and harassment by ruling party activists and traditional leaders
participating in partisan politics. In other reports, the police banned CCC rallies in some
parts of the country.
In Mashonaland West, on 8 July, Zanu PF convened a rally addressed by President ED
Mnangagwa at Chemhanza showground in Magunje. It is said that although people came
from all corners of the country, the majority of citizens were coerced to attend the rally.
People were reportedly given bread, fast food, oranges, and party regalia (wrapping cloths,
caps and T-shirts). Upon receiving the party regalia they were coerced to wear the regalia
to demonstrate their support for Zanu PF. Vendors and proprietors in Magunje and Karoi
were forced to close business and board buses to attend the rally. Village heads and Zanu
PF youths were instructing people to close business and attend the rally.
In Mashonaland Central, on 22 July Zanu PF convened a Star rally in Centary, Muzarabani
South. It is alleged that many people in Mazowe, Bindura, Guruve and Rushinga were
forced to attend the rally by Zanu PF activists and traditional leaders. In Bindura all vendors
were forced to close their businesses by a ruling party member who claimed to be the
chairperson for Vendors4ED. In Mvurwi, Zanu PF activist Cde Elius Sumaila Mulukula who
was assigned by Zanu PF Mazowe North aspiring legislator Tsungi Makombe threatened
vendors with arson attacks if they failed to attend the rally. Reports say that deployed
members of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) and police officers were distributing Zanu
PF party regalia and food. Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) and school
buses were assigned to ferry people to the rally. Notably, school children were also
mobilised to attend the rally. People who made attempts to leave the rally during the
President’s address were assaulted by law enforcement agents. In Mazowe North Mvurwi
Township, Zanu PF convened a constituency rally on 26 July. The campaign rally was
scheduled to be addressed by Zanu PF treasurer Cde Patrick Chinamasa. Business was
allegedly brought to halt as proprietors were forced to close their shops by Zanu PF
supporters. Most ruling party youths were spotted on videos singing and marching while
forcing shop owners and proprietors to close business and attend the rally. ZPP is in
possession of the video where proprietors were forced to close their business.
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