Fulfil the obligations of election monitoring It is important to highlight that the focus of the ZHRC in elections will be towards monitoring human rights during the electoral process as opposed to the observation of all elements of elections done by local observers that tends to be passive. The approach that the Commission will take will entail advocacy and intervention with the authorities to redress election-related human rights violations. The approach will be geared towards monitoring human rights during elections which is essentially concerned with violations of rights that are relevant to the electoral process (e.g., freedom of association, prohibition of discrimination). In the event of human rights violations and abuses, the Commission react appropriately to prevent further violations and abuses and investigate any allegations thoroughly, holding those responsible accountable. Sustained mapping and monitoring of hot spots across the country will be conducted for informed intervention in potential conflict situations, Ensure the political environment is conducive to a peaceful, fair and credible election The Commission election monitoring effort will focus on the three phases of elections, the pre-election, the election and the post-election period. Focus will be on the observance of the following rights and freedoms that are enshrined in the Bill of Rights;         The right and opportunity, without any distinction or unreasonable restrictions, for citizens to participate in government and public affairs through periodic genuine elections Equality and non-discrimination (56) freedom of assembly and association (section 58); Freedom to demonstrate and petition (59) freedom of expression and freedom of the media (section 61); access to information (section 62); freedom of movement and residence (section 66); and political rights (section 67) that is the right to make political choices freely. The monitoring of rights during the election period by the Commission will aim at assessing if,    all those involved in the elections are able to exercise their political rights and fundamental freedoms without hindrance, sanction or reprisal; the authorities have taken the necessary measures to protect the political rights and fundamental freedoms of all those involved to facilitate access to political and voting processes; the overall electoral process is conducted in a fair, free and non-discriminatory manner. Approach to monitoring The Commission monitoring effort will follow the electoral cycle approach and the following phases of the electoral cycle will be monitored to ensure compliance with international and regional human rights standards governing the conduct of elections. •Elections Human Rights Monitoring of: •Legal framework, •planning and implementation •training and education •voter registration Pre-election period Figure 3:Phases of Election Monitoring 14 | P a g e •Elections Human Rights Monitoring of: •Electoral Campaign •Nominations •voting operations and voting day •Resolution of electoral disputes •verification of results Election Period •Elections Human Rights Monitoring of: •Post election reviews •Reforms •Reporting Post Election Period