BALLOT News X Issue No. 2 September 2007 FEEDBACK LETTERS Dear ZESN Your ballot news (Issue No. 1) of 1 March 2007 made interesting reading in more than one respect: the diverse and divergent views and interpretations of the coined operative term “harmonization” (of the 2008 elections). Your contributors, in spite of their different interpretations of the term, are generally agreed that the synchronization of the electoral process is not a bad idea after all. I would like to applaud Eldred Masunungure for his forthright article, not least of all, his definition of the term harmonisation. Personally I hold that “harmonisation” is not the most appropriate term, given the array of the other more suitable synonyms, to readily choose from. Using other terms, the 2008 elections will be synchronized or rationalized. In business parlance to rationalize is to reform by re-organizing industry so as to get rid of waste. Rationalization can also mean to take place concurrently or simultaneously. I am happy to observe that Eldred, in his contribution, explained harmonisation in different ways and words to the advantage of the general public. I profess that those who came up with the term harmonisation have the unenviable task of convincing me that their definition of the term is the most appropriate one. I would want to acknowledge my respect for the views expressed by your contributor Peter Tendaiwo Maregere in the same issue of the ballot news. I like people who offer their views impartially and in a non-partisan manner. Anonymous Lupane Dear ZESN I was excited to read your issue of the Ballot News, March 2007, in particular the different ways in which your contributors tackled the issue of 'election harmonisation'. It was refreshing to note that the debate varied from legal understanding of the proposed harmonisation to social implications of the Bill. It was also very important that some of your contributors argued that harmonisation was not even part of the 'Zimbabwean problem'. Instead of paying particular attention to the Bill that seeks to bring the harmonisation, some of your contributors were analytical enough to seize on the current discussions around the Bill and bring out the real problems bedevilling the country. They brought out important issues that the Bill does not address but are very pertinent in the Zimbabwean crisis. Some pointed on issues like curtailing of the freedoms of assembly, expression and movement, the issue of political intolerance, the impartiality of electoral management bodies' staff and unequal access to the media which are issues I believe are very important and highly inimical to efforts aimed at promoting democracy in the country. I urge you to continue looking for such diverse and informative contributors. I look forward to reading your next issue. Shingirai Paratema, HARARE If you have any comments or contributions please write to: ZIMBABWE ELECTION SUPPORT NETWORK 10 Rochester Crescent Belgravia Harare Tel / Fax: +263 (04) 250735/6 or 703956 Email: zesn@africaonline.co.zw / info@zesn.org.zw X 26