Tekere supported Mugabe at the 1985 elections but by October 1988 his consistent criticism of corruption resulted in his expulsion from the party.
"[1] In 1989, Tekere established the Zimbabwe Unity Movement (ZUM), challenging Mugabe in the 1990 elections without success.
Tekere received unprecedented support for his opposition to Mugabe, prompting the ZANU to engage in voter suppression, violence, and harassment.
Conversely, in areas like Masvingo Province in southern Zimbabwe, where ZANU had solidified its base through beneficial relationships and the provision of social services, the political climate was relatively calm with minimal reports of election-related violence.
Those convicted of the attempted murder of former Gweru Mayor Patrick Kombayi who was shot in lower abdomen but survived the shooting, were pardoned immediately afterwards [citation needed].