 The Group noted that although the final results were delivered by the ZEC within the legally stipulated timeframe (in approximately 77 hours), the communication strategy of the ZEC did not foster an atmosphere of confidence or trust.  The approach of the ZEC only seemed to promote suspicion, mistrust and allegations of rigging. For example, the response of the ZEC chairperson to calls for the expeditious release of election results was to warn the public against the transmission of uncertified results, as this was a criminal offence.  The Group observed that the use of electronic or digital technology was limited to mobile phones for communication among the ZEC’s staff, as well as computers for the recording of information. While there may be trust issues attached to the use of technology in electoral management processes, particularly around results management, there are systems that could be put in place that would enhance transparency and efficiency as Zimbabwe’s economy develops. Key observations – post-election period Following a largely peaceful Election Day witnessed by the electorate, party agents, citizen and international observers, the Group felt it important to highlight a series of disconcerting events that ensued:  On 1 August, two days after the elections, six reportedly unarmed people were shot in the streets of Harare by the Zimbabwe Army. Three died at the scene and three died of their injuries over the next two days. The President and Leader of the Opposition both called for an independent enquiry.  On 2 August, according to media reports, the Zimbabwe Police raided the Harare-based headquarters of the MDC Alliance, pursuant to a search warrant issued by a city magistrate asserting that Nelson Chamisa (party leader and presidential candidate for the MDC Alliance) and several others were suspected of ‘possession of dangerous weapons’ and ‘public violence’. The warrant also authorised police to search for and confiscate any evidence, including computers and documents. Sixteen MDC workers were taken away for questioning. They have since been charged, appeared in a Magistrates Court and were, at the time of writing, bailed to appear again at a later date.  On 3 August, Nelson Chamisa called a press conference in the gardens of the Brontë Hotel, where the Commonwealth Observer Group was based. In advance of the press conference, Commonwealth observers, together with members of the international media, saw police in full riot gear, armed with batons and tear gas, enter the hotel grounds and forcefully instruct journalists 56