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ZESN condemns political violence in Budiriro
Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN)
May 15, 2006

The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) strongly condemns the acts of politically motivated violence that took place in Budiriro ahead of the parliamentary by-election to be held on the 20th of May 2006. ZESN is particularly disturbed that this unjustified violence comes just after the network had commended all candidates for carrying out a peaceful campaign.

The destruction of four houses and household property belonging to ZANU PF supporters on Friday the 12th of May 2006 by alleged MDC supporters cannot be condoned. The network also witnessed two incidents in which two persons suspected to be ZANU PF supporters were assaulted for attending MDC rallies. One of the victims attended the rally, held near Mic-Jop shopping centre on Friday the 12th of May 2006, clad in his party regalia, while the other was assaulted at the rally held near Budiriro 4 shopping centre, which was addressed by the MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai on Sunday the 14th of May 2006.

ZESN has also observed with concern that campaign posters of all the three candidates are being pulled down, particularly those belonging to Gabriel Chaibva of one of the MDC factions, while many others have been defaced.

ZESN urges all the contestants to engage in a peaceful campaign and to encourage their supporters to desist from violence and any other actions that undermine the holding of free and fair elections.

Dr Reginald Matchaba-Hove (National Chairperson)

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