allocation of airtime to all political parties.98 However, organizations such as the MMPZ argue that these regulations come too late in the day to address the imbalance.99 What little coverage is given to the opposition is often used to present them in a negative way. MDC spokesperson Nelson Chamisa told Human Rights Watch, “ZBC interview us and they distort what we say and give us as little airtime as possible. It has reached the stage where we’ve said if you distort what we say we will refuse to be interviewed by you.”100 The MMPZ reflects this point and has criticized ZBC for constantly presenting skewed coverage of the elections in favor of ZANU-PF. Abel Chikomo, MMPZ advocacy coordinator, told Human Rights Watch, “The public media has ceased being a media of any kind and has become a propaganda organ for the ruling party.”101 The Broadcasting Services Act (BSA) of Zimbabwe has always allowed for private broadcasting. However, the January 2008 amendments to the BSA do not address the ban on foreign funding for private broadcasters, or the issue of regulations that would allow private or community radio stations to become operational, the cost of applications, or the duration of licenses for broadcasting.102 Due to the lack of clarity on these issues, media experts have argued that there is not enough time for any private broadcaster to be operational before the elections.103 98 Zimbabwe Election Support Network briefing, March 12, 2008. 99 MMPZ presentation to the Diplomatic Community attended by Human Rights Watch, Harare, March 12, 2008. 100 Human Rights Watch interview with Nelson Chamisa, February 21, 2008. 101 Human Rights Watch interview with Abel Chikomo, advocacy coordinator, MMPZ, Harare, February 5, 2008. 102 Ibid. 103 Human Rights Watch interviews with Abel Chikomo, Harare, February 4, 2008, and Wilbert Mandide, Harare, February 5, 2008. 35 Human Rights Watch March 2008