ZESN - Promoting Democratic Elections in Zimbabwe The performance of the state-owned media showed a heavy bias in support of ZANU-PF. The party received 76% of coverage in state-run newspapers and 48% on the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC). The MDC Alliance, in comparison, received 17% of coverage in state-run newspapers and just 6% on ZBC. Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), internet penetration in Zimbabwe stood at 50.8%52 in the first quarter of 2018, while mobile phone penetration stood at 102.7%. The internet was used by different groups within the election, significantly by political parties for campaign purposes and CSOs for voter information and mobilisation. The two main political parties, ZANU-PF and MDC Alliance, deployed the use of “online armies” to take on the opposing party and canvass for support, especially among the urban youths. Online debates on politics were also prevalent and reached a wide segment of those with access to the Internet. Throughout the election campaign period, there was an overwhelming predominance of ZANU-PF adverts on all radio stations and on Zimbabwe Television (ZTV). ZANU-PF accounted for 93% of advertising space on ZBC stations. There was emotive coverage noted on the two main parties, ZANU-PF and MDC Alliance. ZANU-PF received mostly positive coverage in the government-controlled media where MDC Alliance received more negative coverage than the other parties. Key trends on social media during the election period showed high levels of engagement on social media by citizens on election-related matters. Disputes around the administration of the election, such as the accuracy, completeness, and currency of the 2018 voters' roll, printing of ballot papers; and postal voting, among others were discussed. Live feeds provided real time information on election-related events in a manner that the mainstream media did not. Events streamed live by different organisations included ZEC election updates, including announcement of results; interviews with various political players; press conferences and statements by election observer missions; and press conferences by various CSOs that included the ESR. Overall, there was under representation of women in election coverage, with a paltry 11% of coverage in the monitored media on women while coverage for men accounted for 89%. Figure 8 compares media coverage between men and women. Figure 8: Media Coverage between Men and Women. 100% 89% 90% 80% A key observation on election-related engagement online by key influencers showed high levels of negative sentiment expressed on social media centres around the credibility of the electoral process. 70% 60% 50% 40% Although social media provided an alternative source of information about the election, there was an unprecedented increase in fake news and hate speech. Worryingly, a significant proportion of the hate speech was targeted at women in leadership positions at the ZEC, diplomats, and CSOs. The absence of adequate mechanisms to monitor and curb hate speech and fake news on social media was noted to be a major concern during this election. 30% 20% 11% 10% 0% Men Women 12.4 Online Media The internet played a significant role in the 2018 elections. According to the Postal and 52 https://www.eyetrodigital.com/2018/03/21/zimbabwe-records-50-8-internet-penetration-2017/ 51 REPORT ON THE 30 JULY 2018 HARMONISED ELECTIONS ZESN