15. Shorten Period for Run-Off Election 15.1 ZESN recommends that the period within which the Presidential Run-off election be limited to a shorter period of time, for example, that the run-off be held within three weeks of the declaration of the first round results. This allows for a quick resolution of the Presidential contest. There is no need to have a long waiting period between the first election and the runoff – it only provides opportunities for manipulation and intimidation. The need to prepare for the run-off cannot be used as an excuse for the lengthy interval because the country must have back-up measures in place to cater for the run-off election should the need arise. Ghana, which has a similar system, has a very simple clause which requires the run-off election to be held within three (3) weeks of the first round of elections. 15.2 ZESN notes that one thing that is not adequately provided for under the current system is what happens where there is need for a Presidential run-off election, when the person who is the incumbent at the time is not one of the two candidates for the run-off election because he would have come third or lower in the first poll. Placing power in the hands of such a person who is aggrieved by the loss of an election and is sure that he will not be in office for much longer is risky and problematic especially where politics of power transfer is sensitive. ZESN urges Parliament to reconsider this scenario and provide for back-up measures to cover for leadership in the interim period. 16. Disclosure of Ballot Paper Information 16.1 ZESN notes that while the provision requiring the disclosure of information regarding ballot papers is an important step, it must state clearly when and where the disclosures will be made. Presently it simply requires that disclosures be made ‘without delay’ and make no reference to the location. There must be clear guidance in the law on the timing and location of the disclosures. It is recommended that a specific time-period be stated, for example, that the disclosures should be made not more than fourteen (14) days before the election and also that the location of the disclosures must be specified as the constituency, provincial election centres 53