Turnout According to information from ZEC, 879 315 people had registered as of October 20 under the first phase of the BVR exercise, countrywide exercise. However the last week of phase 1 of the registration exercise witnessed the number of registrants tapering off. Factors that have impacted on the turnout of registrants include the quality of voter education received by eligible persons, as well as the intimidation by political parties who have set up ‘camps’ within the vicinity of some registration centers. These political actors are noting down details on registration certificates and informing registrants that they will be able to use that information to track voting preferences during elections. One such registration center where ruling party cadres have set up a permanent ‘camp’ is Mbire Ward 16. Another example is Mudzi North ward 1 and 2. In Motoko North Ward 10, the village head has been escorting his subjects to the registration centers and taking down the details of their registration certificates after they have registered. Recommendations: 1. ZEC should facilitate the creation of multiparty liaison committees that will discuss issues related to political parties, actors and supporters adherence to the stipulated code of conduct during the registration period. 2. ZEC should issue periodic press statements to address deliberate misinformation by some political parties regarding the purpose of the BVR exercise. 3. ZEC should publicize the simplified version of their procedures and regulations governing how the data is transmitted from registration centers to ZEC. Conclusion In conclusion, ZESN reiterates its calls for the scraping off of birth certificate fees for those who would like to obtain national IDs to facilitate their registration. In addition, ZESN urges ZEC to upscale it voter education initiatives in order to counter the misinformation that is being given to potential registrants, particularly in rural areas. It is vital for the electorate to enjoy their rights and freedoms, free from harassment and intimidation as espoused in the Zimbabwe Constitution in order to facilitate a credible election