television programs on the BVR process, flighting advertorials, and carrying stories on the process, especially the registration figures, trends and process as it progressed. 2. Mobilising citizens to register. The media in Zimbabwe also assisted with mobilisation processes through some of the mechanisms described in point 1 and even through some of the civic education methods mentioned above. Also, two additional points are worth noting on mobilisation. These are the emergence for the first time in a registration process in Zimbabwe of new media as a potent aid in voter registration, as well as the use by the press of editorials to mobilise as well as critique the BVR process. i. ZEC and CSOs developed several hashtags on social media, especially twitter and Facebook to assist with mobilisation processes for the BVR exercises. These included ZESN’s #usasarire #ungasaleli #ZimVote2018s, #BVR, other CSOs’ #RegisterElectEngage and ZEC's #BVRZW in addition to mobilisation specific hashtags like Heal Zimbabwe's #Vote4Peace amongst others. ii. Almost all the leading newspapers ran editorials on the process focusing on different elements of the BVR process from mobilisation to appeals around some of the requirements for registration and also allegations around intimidation of prospective voters. 3. Investigative role in exposing any malpractices. The media also served this vital purpose during the BVR process. However, due to the nature of the registration process, most of these were exposed around perceived inefficiencies, as well as intimidation. In the process, an important point to note was the media’s role in debunking "fake news" and half-truths. This function, which was rampant amongst citizens especially in rural areas, and also in some instances promoted on social media, was carried out through sharing of accurate information in statements, radio and television programs, as well as news articles and editorials. Media and ZEC as well as other electoral stakeholders frequently engaged in different ways, some of which are captured in the section on ZEC's engagement with critical stakeholders. These engagements assisted the media in its various roles to carry out independent analysis, share pertinent information and be better informed about the electoral process in service to their audiences. 45