political environment has been characterised by electoral reforms based on political realities. Parliament of Zimbabwe has also played a key role during the electoral reform process. Electoral Laws Enacted by Parliament of Zimbabwe In the last few years, the electoral system went through a number of reforms which were largely influenced by the socio-political environment and other regional developments. A number of electoral laws have been enacted by Parliament of Zimbabwe and these include; the Political Parties (Finances) Act (2001), the Electoral Act(2004) and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Act (2004). The Political Parties (Finances) Act sought among other things to limit the influence of bribes and to regulate financing of candidates in an election. The Electoral and Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Acts both sought among other things to co-ordinate the electoral process through the setting up of an independent electoral body. The two Acts also incorporated a number of recommendations in the SADC Principles and Guidelines governing democratic elections such as; ❖ the use of translucent ballot boxes, ❖ the conduct of voting in one day, ❖ verification of ballots and counting at the polling stations, ❖ limited postal votes to civil servants on diplomatic missions or those on duty outside their constituencies and ❖ Promotion of gender equity in the management of elections. Public Participation in the Reform Process 2

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