78 CHAPTER 7 ELECTIONS PART 1 ELECTORAL SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES 7.1 Principles of electoral system (1) Elections, which must be held regularly, and referendums, to which this Constitution applies must be— (a) peaceful, free and fair; (b) conducted by secret ballot; (c) based on universal adult suffrage and equality of votes; and (d) free from violence and other electoral malpractices. (2) The State must take all appropriate measures, including legislative measures, to ensure that effect is given to the principles set out in subsection (1) and, in particular, must— (a) ensure that all eligible citizens are registered as voters; (b) ensure that every citizen who is eligible to vote in an election or referendum has an opportunity to cast a vote, and must facilitate voting by persons with disabilities or special needs; (c) ensure that all political parties and candidates contesting an election or participating in a referendum have reasonable access to all material and information necessary for them to participate effectively; (d) provide all political parties and candidates contesting an election or participating in a referendum with fair and equal access to electronic and print media, both public and private; and (e) ensure the timely resolution of electoral disputes. 7.2 Conduct of elections and referendums At every election and referendum, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission must ensure that— (a) whatever voting method is used, it is simple, accurate, verifiable, secure and transparent; (b) the results of the election or referendum are announced as soon as possible after the close of the polls; and (c) appropriate systems and mechanisms are put in place— (i) to eliminate electoral violence and other electoral malpractices; and (ii) to ensure the safekeeping of electoral materials.