Democracy, The practice to demand voter registration slips from Elections and voters in the pre-election period undermined Governance confidence in the secrecy of the vote. There was repression against opposition leaders. Zimbabwe has not yet demonstrated that it has established a tolerant and democratic culture. European Union Election Observation Mission Noted the improved political climate Declaration of Principles for International Election observation The rule of law should be upheld in the investigation of violence and vandalism. Fundamental freedoms such as movement, assembly, and speech were respected during the campaign Further administrative reform measures should be period. instituted to help improve persons with disabilities’ access to a secret ballot. The playing political field was uneven All electoral stakeholders should adhere to the There was the abuse of state resources by the ruling peace pledge. party during election campaigns. Government should respect the rights of the The State media was biased towards ZANU-PF. Zimbabwean people as enshrined in the The Electoral Act empowers the ZEC to monitor the Constitution. media and identify cases of violations Government should ensure that the Zimbabwe The ZEC published a simplified electoral calendar, full Defence Forces act with restraint in full respect of list of polling stations, list of nominees and list of international human rights norms and their constitutional role. constituency elections officers. The ZEC availed the election officers’ manual to stakeholders. There was intimidation against opposition leaders and 113 | P a g e