suspected supporters of the ruling party, even in a by-election devoid of genuine and credible contestation such as the Mhondoro-Mubaira By-election. 6. MEDIA AND ELECTIONS Media freedom is fundamental in promoting the political and civil and political rights and liberties enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The media plays a complex role in electoral process, providing information to voters and a platform to political parties and candidates while serving a watchdog function. There was very little coverage of this byelection by mainstream media; however the limited coverage was unbalanced and skewed in favour of ZANU-PF. The media coverage was also limited to mostly, the results of the ZANU-PF primary elections and the result of the by-elections. 7. GENDER EQUALITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS 7.1. Gender Equality and Special Needs Groups Active participation of women, youth, civil society organisations and marginalised groups in the electoral process constitutes a critical element for the deepening of democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe. ZESN observed that a significant number of women participated in electoral process as voters, election agents, polling officers and citizen observers. While ZEC consistently gathers statistics on sex and age of voters at all the polling stations, this information however is not being shared with other electoral stakeholders. ZESN urges the ZEC to avail statistics that would help stakeholders deepen their understanding of women and men’s participation in electoral processes. 8. ELECTION DAY OBSERVATIONS Opening and voting Procedures At all polling stations where ZESN observed opening, observers reported that opening procedures were followed and conducted on time with adequate polling personnel and voting materials. According to reports by our observers they were an average of six polling officials at each polling station. ZESN observers reported that important voting procedures such as checking of names in the voters’ roll, marking of fingers with indelible ink and ensuring that voters cast their ballots in secret were followed. Official Secrecy Act Political Parties’ Agents In most polling stations where ZESN observers were deployed we observed that only ZANU PF had agents inside the polling station. Political parties contesting the by-election were allowed to have one agent inside the polling station and to have an additional agent stationed within the vicinity of the polling station. The failure by Freedom Front party to field election agents, at polling stations, ward collating centres and even at the constituency 11 | P a g e