6.5 Regional and International Observers The SADC Election Observer Team (Left) and COMESA Observers (Right) during meetings with ZHRC. The presence of the regional and international community during the 2018 harmonised elections was vital for the outside world to have a bird’s eye view on the electoral process in Zimbabwe. The holding of peaceful, credible, free and fair elections was an opportunity for Zimbabwe to reintegrate itself with both the regional and international community. Throughout the electoral cycle ZHRC hosted several regional and international observer missions inclusive of the African Union, Southern African Development Community, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, Commonwealth, European Union and the National Democratic Institute/International Republican Institute. These partners engaged the Commission, announcing their presence as observers for the 2018 harmonised election. They sought to probe the ZHRC’s perception of the human rights situation and the preparedness of ZEC in managing the elections. In addition, the ZHRC’s meetings with the regional and international observers fostered dialogue on electoral processes and the sharing of best practices on the different interventions which the Commission could adopt in the promotion and protection of human rights. Page 48 of 55