ZIMBABWE ELECTION SUPPORT NETWORK ANNUAL REPORT 2010 Research and Advocacy Programme Runyararo Munetsi Research & Advocacy Programme Officer Introduction The year 2010 was not without its challenges. Though democratic space opened up human rights defenders continued to be arrested and incarcerated. As the year moved on, the Principals to the Global Political Agreement (GPA), began to talk about having early elections in 2011. The debate about elections intensified to the point where SADC intervened and instructed the South African President- Jacob Zuma to come up with a road map for elections in Zimbabwe. There were tensions, within the GPA especially concerning the slow pace of implementation of outstanding issues. However, in spite of from these challenges ZESN managed to carry out its planned activities. The organization through the Research and Advocacy programme continued to advocate for electoral reforms in view of the constitutional reform process and any impending elections. ZESN's view remains that an enabling environment and the right legal framework are key elements to facilitate the conduct of credible elections. Activities Public Meetings ZESN embarked on public meetings to discuss electoral systems. Representatives from four political parties, namely (ZANU PF, ZAPU and the two MDC formations) were invited to each meeting to make presentations on their preferred electoral system. The public meetings were conducted in Matobo South (Omadu Motel), Gwanda Central (Gwanda Hotel), Luveve Constituency (Luveve Beit Hall), Beitbridge East (Social Club) and Lupane East respectively. 13 Public meetings were also conducted with the theme: Zimbabwe's Readiness for Elections. The purpose of the meetings was to discuss about the state of preparedness of the country in view of elections. The meetings were targeted at the public and representatives from political parties, churches, youth, women and civic society were invited as speakers at these forums. These meetings were conducted in areas such as Shurugwi, Chiredzi, Mutare, Masvingo, Mufakose and Chivhu. Collaboration with EISA In March the Electoral Institute of Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) in partnership with ZESN conducted provincial workshops in 5 provinces in Zimbabwe namely Harare, Masvingo, Mutare, Gweru and Bulawayo under the theme “Enhancing the Participatory Capacities of Civil Society Organizations in the Constitution-Making Process in Zimbabwe”. The workshops' main objective was to discuss various thematic issues in order to make meaningful contributions from an informed basis in the drafting of the new constitution. Each workshop targeted at least 25 individuals drawn from civic group operating in the provinces. The workshops focused on six main themes which included; • The Founding Principles of the Constitution, Citizenship and Bill of Rights • The Media • Women and Gender issues • Children's Rights • Systems of Governance • Electoral Systems PROMOTING DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS IN ZIMBABWE