Through this initiative, CSOs working on elections, governance and human rights issues were able to work together, coordinate their efforts and collect, share and disseminate information on different aspects of the electoral cycle enabling near real time redress of electoral malpractices and disputes by the relevant government institutions and broader community. This also helped avoid incoherence, duplication and ensuring that CSOs spoke with one voice. In escalating incidents presented to the ESR, the project efficaciously engaged with the ZEC, Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC), Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Gender Commission (GC), and National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC). CSOs that have worked in partnership with ZEC, ZHRC, GC, and NPRC were able to leverage on those relationships to amplify near real time redress in the ESR. Through the ESR project, the foundation for collaborative practice was built, albeit with a few challenges such as confidence in sharing information amongst key stakeholders 47. The ESR was identified by citizens as an objective platform that shared credible information with citizens through short messaging (SMS), toll-free numbers call centre, print, and radio and social media avenues. Furthermore, the ESR was known as a medium that escalated election-related information to stakeholders and provided near real time redress. Several successes were recorded which included enhancing capabilities to work collaboratively, collectively, and inclusively in peer-like settings amongst CSOs working around the electoral cycle48. Incidents brought to the attention of the ESR, such as poor lighting in polling stations and citizens being unable to locate their polling station had a near real time address on Election Day. Citizens who reported matters around pulling down of candidates’ posters and intimidation via the call centre were empowered to make official reports to the ZRP. The ESR became a primary source of information to citizens, commissions, observer missions, and concerned stakeholders49. There was a strong commitment from civil society to participate actively in the 2018 harmonized elections as reflected in the plethora of interventions that were undertaken, which reflects broad national ownership of the electoral processes. The diversity of organizations profiled a positive sign for ensuring inclusive participation – especially with regards to women, the youth, and PWDs’ participation in electoral processes. 12 MEDIA AND ELECTIONS Media freedom is fundamental in promoting the civil and political rights and liberties enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The media, in all its forms, play a complex and 47 www.zimelectionsituationroom.org https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2018/07/27/csos-publicise-findings-on-political-environment 49 https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2018/07/29/election-results-to-be-posted-outside-polling-stations 48 67 | P a g e