Political violence casts spotlight on free, fair polls

WITH political violence escalating in Zimbabwe, national elections slated for later this year face questions about whether the polls will meet free and fair international benchmarks.

Zimbabwe’s elections have routinely met scrutiny largely because of what critics say is State-sponsored violence and the intimidation of opposition political parties.

Recent weeks have seen violent attacks on opposition political supporters by suspected members of the ruling Zanu PF party despite regular calls by President Emmerson Mnangagwa for peaceful political engagement among rival party supporters.

This story is for NewsDay subscribers.