1.   Clashes between ruling party loyalists and opposition supporters have become more frequent and more violent.

2.   In many parts of the country, its reporters are routinely harassed by ruling party loyalists.

3.   Overnight, some apparently disgruntled ruling party loyalists gathered outside the election office in the capital, Asuncion.

4.   Sithole, though a ruling party loyalist, became increasingly bold in recent months in his criticism of government economic policies.

5.   The shuffle appeared to be a bid to appease ruling party loyalists who have become increasingly worried over infighting.

6.   They said their supporters suffered widespread intimidation from ruling party loyalists.

7.   Tsvangirai welcomed the decision but said he doubted future cases would be granted a fair hearing because Mugabe has recently stacked the Supreme Court with ruling party loyalists.