Appendix B 78 4) The Zimbabwe Defence Forces should reassure the public that it will accept the legitimate result of the election process no matter who is the winner and that it will be politically neutral as that result is transparently and credibly determined, including during a presidential runoff election should one be declared. 5) The electoral contestants should pledge to pursue any electoral complaints and grievances only through peaceful means, including through judicial processes, while the judiciary should fulfill its constitutional obligations to act impartially and in a timely manner to address electoral challenges and provide redress for complaints that are lodged. 6) The people of Zimbabwe, having the most at stake in these elections and having demonstrated their hopes by turning out to vote in great numbers, also must meet their responsibility going forward to demand that government and political leaders honor the voters’ will and deliver peace and personal security throughout the electoral period. 7) The international community, particularly the African Union and SADC, should actively encourage the government of Zimbabwe, the candidates, and political parties to deliver a credible, peaceful conclusion to the 2018 harmonized election process, including through a presidential runoff if it is called, and encourage stakeholders to work beyond the elections to take the country forward on a genuine democratic path. 8) The media, including government-controlled communications media, should uphold the constitutional provisions for impartial treatment of electoral contestants and follow journalistic principles for honest and accurate electoral coverage. 9) The ZEC, political parties, and civil society should work diligently to advance the constitutional principles for inclusive elections, particularly for greater participation by women, youth, and people with disabilities. 10) Civil society organizations that are monitoring the electoral process, including conditions in the broader electoral environment, should be encouraged to vigorously continue their efforts throughout the electoral period and to advocate for reforms and other improvements that they identify as a result of their monitoring. No matter who wins the elections, those who seek to establish a democratic Zimbabwe will have to unite the country and find a way to work effectively with their political opposition and civil society. The 2018 elections are but one critical step in taking that path. The overall health of Zimbabwe’s democratic transition requires a strong multi-party system, a free and vibrant press, and for Zimbabweans to actively engage in creating a responsible and accountable government. The ZIEOM will continue to observe the electoral process, and IRI and NDI stand ready to help. 8