ZESN - Promoting Democratic Elections in Zimbabwe Governing and Guiding principles for the EOM Key issues raised Recommendations European Union Election Observation Mission Declaration of Principles for International Election observation Noted the improved political climate. Fundamental freedoms such as movement, assembly, and speech were respected during the campaign period. The playing political field was uneven. There was the abuse of state resources by the ruling party during election campaigns. The State media was biased towards ZANU-PF. The Electoral Act empowers the ZEC to monitor the media and identify cases of violations. The ZEC published a simplified electoral calendar, full list of polling stations, list of nominees and list of constituency elections officers. The ZEC availed the election officers' manual to stakeholders. There was intimidation against opposition leaders and supporters. The rule of law should be upheld in the investigation of violence and vandalism. Further administrative reform measures should be instituted to help improve persons with disabilities' access to a secret ballot. All electoral stakeholders should adhere to the peace pledge. Government should respect the rights of the Zimbabwean people as enshrined in the Constitution. Government should ensure that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces act with restraint in full respect of international human rights norms and their constitutional role. SADC Parliamentary Forum Elections Observation Mission SADC Principles governing the conduct of democratic elections. ZEC prepared adequately for the elections and all logistical arrangements were done in accordance with the electoral timetable. There is need to promulgate a law to govern the registration and operations of political parties in Zimbabwe. ZEC was commended for the collaborative approach to voter education whereby ZEC accredited a significant number of CSOs to conduct voter education. There is need to standardize timelines for the verification of ballot papers. ZRP granted authority to all political parties to hold public assemblies including rallies and demonstrations in peace. Higher voter turnout at most polling stations. Fundamental human rights were unhindered during the campaign period and on Election Day. Zimbabwe Republic Police played an important role in providing security to the electorate without interfering with the voting process. There is need to improve lighting in temporary structures being used as polling stations. ZEC urged to engage stakeholders and take a cue from other SADC countries regards the design, printing, storage and transportation of ballot papers. There is need to strengthen the legal framework governing electoral media coverage in order to enhance fair, balanced and responsible reporting by the media, in particular the public media. Noted that ZESN carried out an independent voters' roll audit. African Union Election Observation Mission AU Guidelines for African Union Electoral Observation and Monitoring Missions AU Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance ZEC carried out all electoral processes on time. All parties exercised their rights but however. ZEC was urged to be transparent and speedily in their results announcement processes Low threshold requirement for registration of political parties and candidates to contest the elections. BVR, high involvement of Civil Society Organisations in voter education, election monitoring. Welcomed the presence of party agents on majority of polling stations as positives for the elections. 78 REPORT ON THE 30 JULY 2018 HARMONISED ELECTIONS ZESN