ZIMBABWE ELECTION SUPPORT NETWORK ANNUAL REPORT 2010 8 Training workshops for long term observers in political Impact finance The Ballot Updates continue to be a reliable source of information as shown by reference to them in various media. Another impact indicator was the invitation of ZESN to present papers on electoral issues in Zimbabwe, in the region as well as in international forums. ZESN proposals for reforms have influenced policy as a number of proposals we have made have been adopted and have affected electoral laws to a great extent. ZESN has also continued to be relied on as a reference point for electoral information. In order to increase on the issues long term observers report on, ZESN organized workshops to train long term observers in political finance. The workshops provided participants with indepth knowledge of political finance and its role in electoral processes. 8 workshops were conducted and 270 long term observers have been trained on political finance and general observation of electoral processes to date. Report collection from long term observers (LTOs) The organisation continued to collect reports on political developments in the 45 constituencies. The period was characterized by a number of activities such as the constitution making process, political parties' activities and meetings. Through the collection of LTOs' reports ZESN was able to bring out issues that were affecting citizens as they took place in these constituencies such as human rights abuses, the abuse of state resources among others. Challenges The political environment has been relatively open this year, which has provided space for monitoring and observation activities to be done without many disruptions. Funding constraints led to failure to deploy long term observers in all the 210 constituencies was a challenge for the programme as we were not able to provide political developments in all representative constituencies of Zimbabwe. The political developments in the country have been unpredictable such as the delays in the start of the constitutional outreach process which when it eventually began, led to the disruption of training of 270 long term observers in political finance scheduled for June and July 2010 which resumed in September to December 2010. Conclusion ZESN secretariat conducting an election for the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Production of 9 Ballot updates ZESN continued to produce the monthly Ballot Updates, which provided analysis of current political developments in the country. The updates remained a source of information on electoral issues and were constantly referred to in the media, civil society and other stakeholders. Production of analysis papers The organisation was able to write two analysis papers that focused on the proposed electoral amendments by political parties and the new ZEC. The production of these analysis papers helped to put these proposed reforms into perspective as the implications were spelt out and how these proposals would positively and negatively affect the conduct of elections in Zimbabwe. 8 To a greater extent ZESN was able to achieve the objectives set in its strategic plan. The programme was able to gather data on political developments from constituencies which were processed to credible, useful and relevant information which could be used in decision making by stakeholders. The changes in Zimbabwe's political system require that the organization remains alert and versatile in order to remain relevant. Ndodana Ndlovu Bulawayo & Matebeleland Field Officer PROMOTING DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS IN ZIMBABWE