media have three key normative functions which can be used to measure performance as opined by Norris (2000)1. The media contribute to pluralistic competition by acting as a civic forum for debate. The media also promote conditions for public participation by acting as mobilising agents and in so doing encouraging political learning, interest and participation. Further, the media preserve conditions for civil liberties and political rights. This is done by acting as a watch dog to hold government leaders accountable on behalf of the public. During elections the role of the media is even more critical. As such, media outlets during the quarter participated in nurturing informed electorate. This was more critical because most of the electioneering was done through media outlets due to the surge in cases of COVID-19. The IBA commended media houses for the professional coverage of the general elections in the following statement by IBA Director-General, Josephine Mapoma: The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has commended broadcasting stations in the country for their coverage of the just ended general elections, particularly from polling day, up to the time of the declaration of the winner. The Authority observed that generally, a number of broadcasting stations covered the just ended elections in an ethical and professional manner. Further, the IBA is gratified to note that broadcasting stations aided and allowed for a peaceful co-existence, through the manner in which they covered elections. This largely contributed to holding of peaceful elections, as there was no sensational reporting. Prior to the elections, the Authority conducted countrywide capacity building programmes for broadcasting stations in election reporting, 1 Norris, P. (2000). A virtuous cycle: political communications in post-industrial societies. New York: Cambridge University Press. 13