IRI/NDI Zimbabwe International Election Observation Mission Final Report Acknowledgments This report is based on information gathered through the joint IRI/NDI ZIEOM, which was present in Zimbabwe from April to October 2018. While many individuals participated in the ZIEOM’s activities, the Institutes take full responsibility for the content of this report and presents the information provided herein with the hope that it contributes to Zimbabwe’s democratic transition. A comprehensive election mission is, by its very nature, a complicated exercise. IRI and NDI thank the Zimbabwean people for the warm welcome that they provided the ZIEOM. The citizens of Zimbabwe have experienced an extraordinary series of events during the past 12 months, and the ZIEOM has been privileged to witness the enthusiasm for democracy that has been evident throughout this period. Many Zimbabwean government officials, political party leaders, civil society activists, and representatives of the international community met with our pre-election, Election Day, and post-election delegations, as well as our longterm observers and analysts on multiple occasions; they were always ready to share information and concerns. We are grateful for their generous donation of time and their contribution to our understanding of Zimbabwean political dynamics. The Institutes also express sincere appreciation for the critical contributions of the more than 30 volunteer observers who participated in the pre-election, Election Day, and post-election delegations. In particular, we would like to recognize Dr. Brigalia Bam, Hon. David Dreier, Barry Jackson, and Sen. Catherine Noone, who participated in the pre-election assessment mission; former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Interim President Catherine Samba Panza, Rep. Karen Bass, Hon. Constance Newman and Amb. Johnnie Carson, who led the Election Day delegation; and those who returned to lead the post-election delegation. The IRI and NDI rely on the considerable experience and generosity of individuals such as these to fulfill our responsibilities as international election observers. 59