information dissemination centre for the consortium giving regular updates including via social media and radio to various stakeholders. Furthermore, the by-election became important in gauging electoral preparedness of ZEC ahead of the 2018 general election. The assessment of preparedness is on three frameworks being administration, political environment, and legislative. 3.0. How was the political environment and security situation before and during the byelection? The political environment before and during the by-election was largely peaceful. Citizens and organisations working in peace building and human rights in particular Heal Zimbabwe Trust (HZT) and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZIMRIGHTS) reported isolated incidents of intimidation. A total of 37 cases were reported between 1 January and 7 April 2017. 82% of cases reported were of traditional leaders and war veterans threatening people with violence and withdrawal of food aid if they vote for opposition parties. On polling day, one case of intimidation was reported, whereby some villagers were threatened and coerced to ensure the ruling party does not lose the election. Illustration 1: Mwenezi Violations Pre-election period 1 January to 7 April 2017 Source: Heal Zimbabwe Trust 3.1. Implementation of Section 133 of the Electoral Act The by-election realised significant steps towards the implementation of Section 133H and J of the Electoral Act. The section mandates the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC), the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) to ensure matters of violence and intimidation are reported, 2|Page