ZIMBABWE ELECTION SUPPORT NETWORK ANNUAL REPORT 2010 The resource centre and the website have also remained critical in the dissemination of information with the department attending to a number of inquiries. Information materials were lent out to those who inquired including books, reports, journals, research papers, ZESN publications and manuals. ZESN continues to enjoy relative positive coverage from the independent media and has managed to maintain good working relations with the media through timely provision of information when required. ZESN was also invited to present papers at various fora on issues pertaining to elections and democratic process and also provided timely information to the electorate. Harare & Mashonaland Field Officer Solomon Bobosibunu attending to inquiries at the 2010 Harare, NGO Expo Challenges Conclusion While it is worth noting that the environment remained generally peaceful at the start of the year there were no significant reforms in the media fraternity which meant that aspects of polarization and bias continued in the local media. This presented a challenge as the conventional media remained closed, with most of the reportage still being characterised by bias and misrepresentation. ZESN National Taskforce Member - Charles Thole manning the ZESN stand during the 2010 Bulawayo Ideas Festival 19 ZESN has continued to play an important role in information gathering and dissemination and the impact of this has been the continual interest of the public in seeking and inquiring for more information from the organisation. Feedback and inquiries have also been coming through; via email, telephone and letters. Though the period noted the much-awaited registration of more private players in the print media, concern still remains as it widely accepted by many that more reforms still need to be taken aboard. With the coming in of new players in the media industry it is hoped that the operating space will open up and will be characterized by freedom of expression, pluralism and diversity. With the implementation of robust media reforms ZESN's work and ability to effectively gather and disseminate information would be greatly boosted. Generally the programme noted significant successes in carrying out its activities and target objectives during the period under review. PROMOTING DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS IN ZIMBABWE