Opposition cries foul as Bikita villagers tell horror stories

Villagers in Bikita are said to have recounted horror stories of thuggery and intimidation by Zanu-PF, which in the end resulted in them duly voting for the ruling party in the Bikita West by-election.

The report alleges that villagers, including some traditional leaders, had been told they were being closely monitored even when they were in voting booths.

A report in the Standard claims there were a high number of assisted voters.

Zim-PF interim chairman for Masvingo, Claudius Makova confirmed that the by-election could not be free and fair. Peace civic group, Heal Zimbabwe Trust also noted multiple electoral malpractices.

Opposition leaders and civil societies have warned that Zanu-PF was oiling its coercive machinery in preparation for 2018.

Human Rights Watch senior researcher for southern Africa, Dewa Mavhinga said the by-elections were a red flag that the 2018 elections will probably be as violent as the 2008 elections, with no accountability for abuses.

A report says that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has ordered the human rights commission and police to submit reports on the violence that erupted in Bikita West which saw NCA's Madock Chivasa and his election agent Thomas Mudzamiri getting attacked.