Zanu-PF accused of intimidation

Voting in the Chimanimani by-election ended last night amid reports of intimidation by Zanu-PF officials who were seen taking down names of voters that had cast their votes at polling stations such as Tonhorai Primary School in Ward 20 and Shinja Primary School in Ward 6.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Support Network said the reports were deeply worrying as they were in violation of Section 133B (c) (1) of the Electoral Act, which criminalises attempts to compel voters to vote for a particular candidate or party.

There were also many reported cases of people who were assisted to vote and Zanu-PF supporters were seen roaming around various polling stations near Tonhorai donning party regalia

Independent candidate Edmore Mtetwa was yesterday crying foul, alleging that many people were being assisted to vote.

National Constitution Assembly candidate, Pesanai Musakaruka said he was worried at the failure by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to stamp its authority.

He alleged his campaign posters were destroyed while Zanu-PF distributed government food aid a few hours before the polls.

But Zanu-PF Manicaland youth chairman Mubuso Chinguno said his party was not involved in vote rigging.

The polls were marred by a low turnout and results are expected to be announced in the early hours of today.