ZESN Observers noted that in some instances, registrants who needed proof of residence were given the pre-filled affidavits and asked to submit serial numbers of their registration slips in return. This challenge was exacerbated by the absence of Commissioners of Oaths at registration centres, especially during Phase 1 and 2. In later phases, ZEC allowed some of its officers to act a Commissioners of Oaths, while civil society organisations and lawyers facilitated the presence of commissioners of oaths on a pro bono publicas basis at registration centres. 9.2 Intimidation and Obstruction of Observers During the BVR process ZESN recorded numerous reports of accredited observers being intimidated for observing the BVR process and in some instances being denied access to the centres by ward Councillors and suspected ZANU PF members. The following are illustrative examples of this obstruction and intimidation i. Ward 6 Chipinge Central, where a ZESN observer was threatened and intimidated by the Ward Councilor and his supporters resulting in the centre being closed by the registration officials who felt the situation was threatening to get out of hand. ii. Epworth Ward 2 at the Local Board, where a physically challenged ZESN observer was forced out of a registration centre by a ZANU PF Ward Councilor. The Councilor insisted that observers should not be granted access to the registration centre. This illegal action was observed and allowed to continue by registration officials. iii. Ward 10 of Mwenezi West, where the registration officials, insisted that in addition to being accredited by the Commission, the observer needed additional clearance from the ZEC district offices, denied a ZESN observer access to a registration centre. iv. Ward 1 Rushinga where a ZESN Observer was summoned and admonished by the Chief of that area for observing the BVR process in his area without seeking his permission first. 9.3 Voter Misinformation ZESN recorded a worrying number of incidents of voter misinformation. Most of these incidents occurred in the course of demands for registration confirmation slip serial numbers, where perpetrators misled registrants that the BVR process notably the capture of their biometrics would allow them to track their voting preferences. In addition to this common trend, ZESN Observers also noted deliberate misrepresentation of BVR procedures. For instance, 10 December, potential registrants were misinformed by suspected ZANU PF party members on the registration procedures near Kuwadzana High in Kuwadzana Ward 44. Potential registrants were duped into writing down their details in a book without producing Identification Documents and proof of residence. After this, the perpetrators informed the duped registrants that the registration procedure was complete. 39