ZANU PF Total 35 60 Source: Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Senators to represent PWDs Chiefs Grand Total 2 18 80 Source: Zimbabwe Electoral Commission 8. Conclusions and Recommendations The Zimbabwe 2018 harmonised elections were conducted in a generally peaceful political environment. Improvements were made to the administration of the elections, voter education efforts were more collaborative, and campaigns and rallies were generally peaceful. However the Mission noted issues of concern with the quality and availability of the voters’ roll, the Media, participation of women, assisted voters, inclusiveness of the process, and results management system. The Observer Mission recommends that: Voter registration The ZEC should consider targeted voter registration drives for young people and those residing in the urban areas. Even though more youth registered compared to 2013, their registration rate is low compared to the older age categories. Media The ZEC should enhance mechanisms for monitoring the media and its reports or updates should be publicised. The public broadcaster should ensure fair and balanced coverage of all contestants, as well as the different geographical regions in the country. The media should desist from perpetuating hate speech and fake news. Voters’ Roll The ZEC should avail the voters’ roll to stakeholders in time to enhance transparency. The Electoral Laws should be amended to include specific timelines when the voters’ roll ought to be made available to stakeholders. Independent external audits should be commissioned by the ZEC to assess the quality of the voters’ roll, these will go a long way in building public confidence. Assisted voters Whilst the law is clear as to whom can be a confidante for an assisted voter, the rules need to be applied procedurally so as not to violate the secrecy of the vote. The ZEC Election Manual should provide adequate details on the procedure for assisted voters, so as not to compromise the secrecy of the vote. The ZEC can also consider other measures to reduce the numbers of assisted voters’, including comprehensive voter 29