IRI/NDI Zimbabwe International Election Observation Mission Final Report Methodology The ZIEOM methodology was based on systematic, comprehensive gathering of information for factbased, politically impartial analysis that is presented in the mission’s findings and recommendations, both here and in statements made by the mission throughout the electoral period. In carrying out its duties, ZIEOM was guided by the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and Code of Conduct, which was launched at the United Nations in 2005 and has been endorsed by 55 international and regional organizations. The mission conducted its observations with reference to the African Union’s (AU) Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa, the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections as well as Zimbabwe’s Constitution (adopted in 2013), Electoral Act (as amended through 2018), and other relevant laws. The mission carried out its activities in conformity with the laws of Zimbabwe and in compliance with Zimbabwe’s Electoral Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates. The 2018 harmonized elections took place against a backdrop of an 18-year political crisis. During that period, political space was severely limited and a series of fundamentally flawed elections were characterized by widespread violence and weakened public confidence in governing institutions and the electoral system. Extraordinary steps were therefore required to break with the country’s past, restore public trust, and set the country on a new trajectory. For the 2018 harmonized elections to be broadly viewed as inclusive, transparent, and accountable, the election process needed to do more than adhere to the letter of the law, show more than just incremental improvements, and result in more than a generally peaceful outcome. 13