2.2 To fulfil the obligations of election observation as stated in section 40G of the Electoral Act, Chapter 2:13. 3 Methodology 3.1 The observation teams used a set of guiding tools and a questionnaire developed by the Commission. This was not the first time for the ZHRC to observe elections as the ZHRC Commissioners went out in 2013 to observe both the Referendum and Harmonised Elections. 3.2 The teams went out with the purpose of observing the conduct of contestants, electoral officials and the electorate during the by-elections and forming their opinion from that. The teams observed the pre-election period, election day and observed the counting and posting of the results outside the selected polling stations. 3.3 Discussions were carried out in some instances with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Officials, Candidates, Election Agents, Presiding and Election Officers to ascertain the observance of human rights and freedoms before and during the election period. 4 LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK GOVERNING OBSERVATION OF ELECTIONS The ZHRC was guided by the following national, regional and international instruments that provide a basis for the holding of free and fair elections; 4.1 CONSTITUTION OF ZIMBABWE Section 67 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No. 20 of 2013) provides for the political rights of every citizen, that is, the right to free, fair and regular elections and to make political choices freely. 4.2 ELECTORAL ACT, Chapter 2:13 The Act provides for the framework for the holding of free and fair elections in Zimbabwe. Section 40 G of the Electoral Act provides that persons may be accredited by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to: Page 5 of 15