the ward collation centres and the constituency collation centre where ZESN observed, all party agents signed the V11 form thus agreeing that the process had been conducted well. In addition to the observations above, ZESN further notes that there have been significant changes in the demographics of all the constituencies in Zimbabwe, since the last delimitation exercise was conducted in 2007. ZESN has previously made a comparison of Dangamvura/Chikanga and Highfield West constituencies to illustrate these changes. The comparison provides an example of constituencies that now have discrepancies between voting populations of up to 57%. The Constitution in section 161 envisaged that these discrepancies, at the completion of boundary delimitation, would not exceed 20%. Because of the changes in demographics Zimbabwe now has some constituencies that either have 20% more or 20% less registered voters when compared with other constituencies. The need for boundary delimitation cannot be over–emphasised as this exercise will restore equality of voting strengths in all constituencies. ZESN therefore makes the following recommendations in order to improve future electoral processes: i. ii. iii. iv. v. The Executive should demonstrate political will to fully align electoral laws to the Constitution by supporting a comprehensive review of the electoral law. This will address existing gaps in voter education constraints, voter registration, electoral court shortcomings and the right to vote for all Zimbabweans. There is need for holistic, and comprehensive, electoral legislation rather than piecemeal reforms. ZEC capacity and independence: Government needs to avail adequate resources for electoral processes so as to enable ZEC to prepare and carry out its mandate effectively. There is also need to professionalise and capacitate ZEC Secretariat. ZEC should report directly to Parliament on its election management processes. The Electoral law should empower ZEC to make additional regulations that enhance election transparency without reference to or approval of the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. In addition, there is need to regularise the potential conflict of interest that may arise if the Chairperson of ZEC remains the Secretary of the Judicial Services Commission. There is need for effective stakeholder engagement on the voter registration methodology and resourcing of the process that ZEC will use for 2018 elections. There is also need for independent and ZEC sponsored audits of the voter’s roll so as to determine the extent to which the current voters roll adhere to established principles. There is need for ZEC to provide disaggregated statistics of the assisted voters. Such statistics will support the work of organisations advocating for the rights of the disabled and those seeking to support ZEC formulate more responsive and targeted voter education initiatives. Contesting political parties must ensure comprehensive deployment of political party agents to ensure informed advocacy interventions for electoral reforms. 6|P a g e