logistical preparations on time for the by-election, particularly the timeous opening of Ward and Constituency offices, distribution of election materials to polling stations. 6.2. Civic and Voter Education In any election, voter education is an important component as it helps to improve the electoral literacy of the citizens. Voter education ensures that the electorate is provided with information that helps them to understand the electoral system; their rights and responsibilities as voters; and why, when, where and how to vote. For voter education to be effective, it should be done on a continuous basis so that citizens are well informed and empowered enough to exercise their rights without fear. For the Mutoko North by-election, ZEC conducted training and deployment of its voter education teams on 10 and 11 November, 2018. To compliment the efforts of ZEC to ensure that the electorate in Mutoko were knowledgeable and prepared to meaningfully participate in the electoral process, ZESN conducted a voter education training workshop on 6 November 2018 at Nyamakwere Lodge. The workshop was attended by 22 participants drawn from local Community Based Organisations (CBOs), CSOs, Social Emerging Groups (SEGs), Faith Based Organisations (FBOs) and cooperatives. The workshop provided CBOs with capacity to undertake and mainstream election-related issues such as Civic and Voter Education (CVE) in their existing programmes. In addition, the capacity building exercise was also aimed at strengthening ZESN’s networking outside the usual membership organisations. The training addressed voters’ motivation and preparedness to participate peacefully in by-election. Topics covered include the electoral cycle approach, principles of CVE, principles of democracy and its salient features, peace building, and voter information for the Mutoko North by-election. The trained organisations developed action plans for mobilising voters for the by election. ZESN provided the trained organisations with a voter education manual and IEC material such posters and flyers for distribution in the constituency. Voter education for the by-election was conducted between 12 and 17 November, 2018. ZEC deployed one mobile team per ward for purposes of mobilising voters for the by-election. The teams conducted door-to-door visits, addressed public gatherings, and distributed Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials. Between 13 and 15 November, ZESN deployed a mobile team that collaborated with ZEC teams. The ZESN team shared its IEC with ZEC teams who had limited materials. ZESN had reproduced 20,600 fliers and 5,000 posters from templates designed by ZEC. The ZESN team employed numerous strategies such as addressing voters mobilised by traditional leaders and CBOs trained in wards 1, 2, 10