#PROVINCIAL OUTLOOK MATABELELAND NORTH PROVINCE The presence of MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa in the province resulted in some human rights violations as some Zanu PF activists and officials attempted to victimize opposition supporters in order to frustrate Chamisa’s campaign trail. For example, on 18 November at Bhule 2 village of Tsholotsho constituency, an MDC Alliance activist who hosted Chamisa at her homestead was victimized by Zanu PF activists and police officers. Details show that MDC Alliance members gathered at the victim’s homestead for a closedoor meeting with Chamisa and after the meeting, which had attracted more MDC Alliance supporters, police and Zanu PF activists visited the homestead and harassed her before charging her for organizing a political gathering during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Jotsholo village of Lupane West constituency an MDC Alliance activist Japhet Moyo got arrested for organizing a football tournament as part of a voter’s registration awareness campaign. It is said that he was accused of convening a political gathering without police clearance. He was arrested during the tournament and released in the evenion the same day. In some instances, ZanuPF supporters violently tried to stop MDC Alliance campaigns. At Siansundu ward 9, a ZanuPF activist only identified as Jefferson Mulenga reportedly threatened to remove all MDC Alliance members from the Social Services beneficiary list. Mulenga told community members that all those that had organized and met Nelson Chamisa in Binga on the 22nd of November 2021 were going to be removed from the beneficiary list. At Tshino village, it was reported that ZanuPF activist identified as Moses Dube threatened to evict members of the opposition in the new stands that accommodate internal displaced persons MATABELELAND SOUTH PROVINCE The presence of MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa was also the centre of political activity in the province. In the same way as other provinces, Zanu PF activists, police and some traditional leaders employed strategies to undermine the success of the opposition leader’s campaign trail. For example, at Insiza South Ward 11, a ZanuPF activist identified as Mr. Ngwenya led a group of ruling party youths to chase away citizens and MDC Alliance supporters that had convened at the local community hall hoping to meet with Chamisa. The meeting was later convened at a Daniel Moyo’s residence. On the same night, police arrested Moyo. As the election gather momentum, it was reported that in ward 5 of Insiza South, ZanuPF activist only identified as Shem Mathe was going around telling villagers to join ZanuPF structures or they would be removed from the area and added that youth officers were in the process of identifying opposition members living in area.

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