ZIMBABWE ELECTION SUPPORT NETWORK ANNUAL REPORT 2010 Media and Information Programme Ellen Kandororo - Dingani Media & Information Officer continued existence remains a violation of the fundamental the right to freedom of expression. Introduction The media operating environment is still void of any significant reforms with polarization of the media being the order of the day. The Zimbabwe Media Commission has not effected any momentous reforms that will allow for unbiased and independent media in Zimbabwe. Although the Global Political Agreement recognized the importance of the rights to freedom of expression and communication, the media in Zimbabwe generally remains muzzled. The licensing of new newspapers was welcomed by many but still remains insignificant given the current polarization that characterizes the media rendering media freedoms inapt and also negatively affecting the role of the organisation in information dissemination. Meaningful reforms to the Broadcast media are still a dream as no new players have been licensed. The absence of new broadcast media houses has negatively affected the dissemination of unbiased and credible information. The Information department carried out a number of activities to fulfill its mandate of disseminating reliable and credible information to the electorate. ZESN continued to attend to a number of inquiries pertaining to elections and democracy related issues. Despite repeated calls by the civil society and other relevant stakeholders for the repealing of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) which has stifled the media operating environment, the law is still in place. AIPPA's 16 ZESN continues to express concerns over the hindrance caused by the repressive Public Order and Security Act (POSA) and Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) and the apparent lack of political will to repeal these laws. Activities Election reports There were no elections that were held during the period under review though by elections are due in 20 constituencies that is 12 in House of Assembly constituencies and 8 Senatorial constituencies. These were initially held in abeyance because of the agreement between the three parties to the GPA in Article XXI of the Global Political Agreement. Press conferences A press conference was held at Ambassador Hotel when ZESN gave its position on elections. A press statement on the position of the network on elections was also issued. Website and e-mail ZESN moved its email server from Linux, Fedora to Microsoft Exchange which is more user-friendly and more effective. The website Homepage was revamped and all old reports such as the 2008 Election report and all 2008 updates were moved to archives. PROMOTING DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS IN ZIMBABWE