provinces of Zimbabwe. The deployment of the Long Term Observer Mission will last until 10 August 2018; or as the situation on the ground may demand. Distinguished guests Ladies and Gentlemen, Based on the report of the Long Term Observers, it is significant to note, for instance, that the new Constitution of the Republic of Zimbabwe has introduced a mixed electoral system combining elements of the Single Member Plurality (SMP) system with a limited Proportional Representation System for Parliamentary, Senate and Local elections respectively; in addition to the Simple Member Majority (SMM) System for presidential elections. These changes may be understood as an attempt at creating an inclusive electoral system, essential for balanced representation, gender parity and conflict resolution. We also recognise the efforts at bringing the security of the Zimbabwe electoral management system to the level of international best practices through the adoption of the Biometric Voter Registration System (BVR), and polling station based voting. We understand that these two features will be used for the first time in Zimbabwe. At this initial stage of the Mission's observation process, we also take note of some of the concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the following issues: 8