EU Election Observation Mission Zimbabwe Harmonised Elections 2018 Preliminary Statement Page 6 of 12 1 August 2018 contentious issue, with claims by the opposition that the printing, distribution and storage of ballots lacked transparency, notably as the event ZEC organised for parties and observers to witness the printing did not provide effective transparency as it was a one-off event and did not provide the possibility of effective scrutiny of what was being printed. Further, procedures for the securing of ballots during storage and distribution appeared lax and raised concerns. The formation of MPLCs at all levels was welcomed. Such bodies may, if used effectively, enhance inclusivity and transparency. However, this was a missed opportunity for these elections, as the nationallevel MPLC did not meet as regularly as it should have, with two meetings cancelled in the month leading up to the polls, and was not used enough by either ZEC or the political parties as a real forum to resolve disputes or discuss and agree on contentious areas. However, EU EOM observers reported that MPLCs at lower levels were more effective and relations were better between parties and ZEC. ZEC has the legal responsibility to design the ballot papers. However, its decision to arrange the presidential ballot in two columns, and notably in a way which placed the incumbent president at the top of the second column, was contentious. The decision was taken without any consultation with parties or a reasonable explanation and led to accusations that ZEC’s position on the matter was biased, as it appeared to give the incumbent president an undue advantage. Likewise, ZEC’s unilateral decision, some two weeks prior to polling, to reorient the position of voting booths, whereby the back of a voter would be visible to polling staff and agents, resulted in criticism that this could violate the secrecy of the vote. In the event, ZEC reversed this decision. ZEC took some positive steps in publishing a simplified electoral calendar, the full list of polling stations, the list of nominated candidates, election officers manual and the list of constituency elections officers. Overall, though, ZEC’s communications were poor. While the ZEC website was relaunched during the campaign, and was improved, it lacked some key information, including resolutions which complement the Electoral Act and are crucial to stakeholder understanding of the process. ZEC’s voter education campaign ran for two weeks prior to the election with both national radio and television broadcasting ZEC-produced materials, and with adverts published in print media and billboards erected in main urban areas. Voter education materials were translated into 13 local languages and included specific messages for diverse voter target groups. EU observers reported an intense programme with direct door-to-door voter education activities in both rural and urban areas. However, the relatively short voter education timetable did not address concerns highlighted by civil society organisations and political parties that voters, especially in rural areas, required more comprehensive information, for instance regarding voting procedures and the secrecy of the vote. Postal voting was made available to police, diplomats and others on official duty. The bulk of approved applications were from the police with some 4,600 approved requests. While the police facilitated the process at various police locations, the practices were not always as foreseen in the law. Also, ZEC’s failure to fully inform stakeholders and parties about the process caused some apprehension and criticism. 4 Voter Registration and Constituency Delimitation The voter roll is generally inclusive but could be further improved. Enhanced ZEC transparency on data for voter registration is vital in order to help address anomalies and to boost confidence The Constitution guarantees every citizen, who is 18 years and above, the right to register as a voter. There are no unreasonable restrictions on the right to vote. Voter registration takes place on a continuous basis, requiring citizens to actively register as a voter.