SECTOR 1 public support for their preferred choice in an area regarded as the stronghold of the opposing party. Intimidation, threats and assaults increase in volume and the majority of people live in fear. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 2.2 (2010:1.2; 2008:1.3; 2006:1.1) 1.3 There are no laws or parts of laws restricting freedom of expression such as excessive official secrets or libel acts, or laws that unreasonably interfere with the responsibilities of media. There are several pieces of legislation that impact and curtail freedom of expression, such as AIPPA, POSA or the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. When the “Inclusive Government” of the then ruling Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) and two formations of the then opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), was formed in February 2009, many citizens and activists strongly believed that this would result in amendments or even the abolishment of these pieces of legislation. However, there have only been a fewchanges since then. Certain sections of POSA have been amended. Appeals against the banning of a march, for example, are no longer decided by the executive but by a magistrate’s court. On the other hand, there is now a general ban on demonstrations outside Parliament, the courts and other public institutions. The Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act 2004 is the most threatening piece of legislation regarding freedom of expression because it introduced even harsher penalties than those provided for under POSA and AIPPA. Section 31 makes it an offence to make a statement about the President of Zimbabwe with the intention of, or knowing that there is a risk of, “undermining the authority of AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZIMBABWE 2012 15