This vicious cycle of serious human rights abuses and malpractices around electoral periods in Zimbabwe can be traced to pro-ZANU-PF officials presiding over the police, the prosecuting authority and the security forces, and actively encouraging partisan conduct in ways that undermine free and fair elections. The institutions then neglect or refuse to act to ensure accountability in cases of human rights abuses, thereby entrenching impunity. Finally, pro-ZANU-PF officials remain in senior positions in government institutions, resisting crucial reforms while only allowing cosmetic tinkering that does not bring wrongful conduct to an end. To break the vicious cycle of human rights abuses, the unity government should implement comprehensive reforms that address three pillars: 1) legislative reform; 2) institutional reform focusing on replacement of partisan government officials and personnel; and 3) the establishment of robust monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. Focusing on the legislative and administrative reforms pillar alone will not transform Zimbabwe’s political terrain and human rights environment. A central aspect of any meaningful reform should focus on appointing to key positions in government highly qualified and politically independent individuals. Personnel changes should particularly apply to the army, the police, the attorney general’s office, the registrar general’s office, and staff at the secretariat of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. 25 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH | JANUARY 2013