We were concerned that the legislative framework within which the elections were conducted, particularly certain provisions of the Public Order and Security Act and the General Laws Amendment Act, was basically flawed. Limitations on the freedom of speech, movement and of association prevented the opposition from campaigning freely. We further regret the restrictions placed on civil society groups, which effectively barred this important sector from participation in the democratic process. In particular we consider that unnecessary restrictions were placed on the deployment of independent domestic observers. We also found that thousands of Zimbabwean citizens were disenfranchised as a result of the lack of transparency in the registration process and the wide discretionary powers of the Registrar-General in deciding who is included in or omitted from the electoral register. It is our view that the ruling party used its incumbency to exploit state resources for the benefit of its electoral campaign. This was compounded by the Government’s near monopoly of the broadcast media; a factor which was not offset by the bias of most of the privatelyowned print media in favour of the opposition MDC. On polling day itself, many who wanted to cast their vote could not do so because of a significant reduction in the number of polling stations in urban areas. There was an inexplicable delay in complying with a High Court order to extend voting to 11 March. Voting in Harare and Chitungwiza was especially slow, leading to many voters being turned away even at the end of the third day. These problems were not evident in the rural areas. All the foregoing brings us to the conclusion that the conditions in Zimbabwe did not adequately allow for a free expression of will by the electors. In these circumstances, we call on all Zimbabweans to put aside their differences and to work together for the future of their country. We believe the Commonwealth should assist in the process of national reconciliation. 40