Amnesty International has strongly condemned state-sponsored violence , torture, arrests and intimidation of opposition cadidates and supporters during country-wide local council elections held on 28 and 29 September. "Once again, government authorities have failed to ensure that elections take place in a climate free from harassment and intimidation. All allegations of human rights violations, including torture, against opposition Movement for Democratic change (MDC) officials and supporters during the local elections must be effectively investigated," Amnesty International said.