Concern over continued voter intimidation in Hurungwe

The Heal Zimbabwe Trust an organisation fighting for the upholding of democracy has lamented the continued violation of democracy by alleged Zanu-PF sympathizers in the Hurungwe West constituency ahead of the June 10 by elections

"Heal Zimbabwe Trust expresses great concern over continued voter intimidation taking place in Hurungwe West ahead of the by-election slated for 10 June 2015," reads the Trust's report. "On the 5th of May 2015, Zanu-PF aspiring candidate for Hurungwe West constituency, Keith Guzha held a meeting at Vambe Growth Point where he accused villagers of supporting Independent candidate Temba Mliswa. He went on to accuse them of having boycotted voting in the Zanu-PF primary elections.

Heal Zimbabwe alleged that Guzha told voters to pretend to be illiterate on the day of voting so that they could be assisted in the voting process in favour of his candidature.

"Guzha also threatened that villagers will be denied farming inputs and food aid in the event that they fail to comply with his directive," the Trsut indicated. "In addition, on the 8th of May 2015, Rueben Marumahoko, the Zanu-PF Senator for Hurungwe, Mrs Bwoni, Zanu-PF Administrator in Karoi and Hurungwe West candidate, Keith Guzha called for a meeting at Big Deve Dam where they ordered Village Heads to come up with a register for all eligible voters and those who have registered to vote."

Heal Zimbabwe stated that Zanu-PF members told villagers that the register will be used to ascertain those who would have voted.

"On the same day in question, Marumahoko threatened unspecified action against those who will boycott the voting process," reads the Heal Zimbabwe report. "Meanwhile, the exercise of writing down people's names by village Heads commenced on 12 May 2015 and is still on-going."

"On Sunday 10th of May 2015, military personnel were seen at Mutau School in Zvipani area and Chiroti School in the same area. This was masterminded by Chief Dandawa, a staunch ZANU PF supporter who has vowed that anyone found to have voted for Temba Mliswa will be "dealt with" by the soldiers."

The organisation said this is not the first time villagers in Hurungwe West have been threatened.

"On 3 May 2015, soldiers who are still camped at Chief Dandawa's residence have been intimidating villagers and threatening them with unspecified action in the event that they vote for Independent candidate, Temba Mliswa," the Trust reported. "Heal Zimbabwe notes that the intimidations of villagers ahead of the by-election only compromises the outcome of the voting process. Section 155 of the Zimbabwean Constitution which outlines the Principles of the Electoral System states that, "elections must be peaceful, free and fair and free from violence and other electoral malpractices".*

The organisation said therefore the reported incidences show that the pre-election activities in Hurungwe go against the provisions that guarantee the holding of free and fair elections.

"These irregularities have already started compromising the outcomes of the scheduled vote," reads the report.

"As a result of the above issues, Heal Zimbabwe implores the Government and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission(ZEC) to ensure a fair playing field ahead of the by-elections. This, therefore, involves ZEC ensuring that it investigates incidents of intimidation by political players ahead of all by-elections and take necessary measures to guarantee a level electoral playing field."