During the pre-election period, FBOs were very much engaged with the electorate in their local communities; they encouraged individuals to register to vote and urged registered voters to vote on Election Day. The church leaders also remained engaged with key actors and the electorate during the post-election phase. A drawback of some religious FBOs is their patriarchal perception towards women. Nonetheless, religious FBOs have frequently advocated for healing, unity and reconciliation. Recommendations  The Commonwealth Observer Group commends the historical role of FBOs in promoting peace and tolerance in elections in Zimbabwe. The Group encourages FBOs to continue its efforts in this respect. In the same vein, the Group urges political parties to denounce sentiments among a minority group of FBOs which, in the context of elections, perpetuate discrimination and exclusion. 37