BULAWAYO - Researchers from the Mass Public Opinion Institute were chased away from Mashonaland Central before completing a survey on a variety of issues affecting Zimbabwe, the organisation has said "Intimidation by ZANU-PF militias forced the fieldwork team to withdraw prematurely from a primary sampling area in Mashonaland Central Province," MPOI said.“Reflecting a worsening security situation in parts of rural Zimbabwe, the target sample in the October 2010 survey fell short by eight interviews.”
Violence has marked the life of the inclusive government since it was formed in 2009 precisely to end it. This has led to fears that the situation will get out of control before elections that may take place this year.
Among the findings of the survey is a popular view that elections should take place this year.