As shown in the bar graph above, the most common violations were hate speech against candidates; threats or intimidation; and harassment. In light of these, there is need for the enforcement of sections 5 and 6 of the Electoral Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates and other Stakeholders that prohibits the intimidation and the use of hateful language, amongst other violations. Restriction of fundamental freedoms or abuses against the public The freeness, fairness, and credibility of an election is a function of many factors including the degree to which the electorate enjoys fundamental freedoms guaranteed under international best practice and national constitutions and electoral laws. In terms of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, no person can be forced to attend a gathering or meeting; people should enjoy the freedoms of association and speech, inter alia. In spite of this, ZESN LTOs reported on cases of the restriction of fundamental freedoms or abuses against the public. Out of 412 reports, 183 cases were reported. The graph below shows the percentages of reports received for the different types of abuses. 10 REPORT ON PRE-ELECTION POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT AND OBSERVATION OF KEY ELECTORAL PROCESSES