ZESN Report on the 31 July 2013 Harmonised Elections ZESN also notes the harassment and intimidation of voters by traditional leaders in Provinces such as Masvingo and Mashonaland East. There have also been reports of voters being instructed to register their names and serial numbers of their ballot papers at desks set up in some areas. In addition, ZESN has received reports of missing ballot papers in areas such as Nkulumane in Bulawayo and inadequate ballot papers in areas like Goromonzi South. At Gutaurare School in Mutare South Ward 22 and Gwanda Central, voting was put on hold after ballot papers for Ward councilors ran out. ZESN also observed varying treatment of voters where some voters were turned away despite having produced a voters’ slip. Voters in Mutare South constituency who have voter registration slips were being turned away on allegations that their names do not appear on the voters’ roll. Furthermore we noted that the inconsistent treatment of the elderly, pregnant women, nursing mothers and people living with disabilities at polling stations. ZESN continues to encourage all registered voters to exercise their right to vote within the few hours left before polling stations close at 7pm. ZESN has set up hotlines for citizens to share their views and comments about the Harmonised Elections. The contact numbers will be: 0771692029, and 0771692032. Citizens can also participate on our social media platforms; https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zimbabwe-Election-Support-NetworkZESN and Twitter handle: #ZESN1. ZESN will be issuing updates on the entire process and will issue its Preliminary Statement on the Harmonised Elections on Thursday 01 August at a time to be advised. About ZESN ZESN was established in 2000. It is a coalition of 31 non-governmental organisations formed to co-ordinate activities pertaining to elections. The major focus of the Network is to promote democratic processes in general and free and fair elections in particular. ZESN has observed every election and by-election in Zimbabwe since the 2000 parliamentary elections. ZESN conducts its observation efforts in conformity with the Declaration of Global Principles for Citizen Election Observation and Monitoring which was launched at the United Nations on 03 April 2012 as well as the Principles for Election Management, Monitoring and Observation in the SADC Region (PEMMO). PROMOTING DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS IN ZIMBABWE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT Dr. Solmon Zwana ZESN Chair at +263 774198938 Rindai Chipfunde-Vava ZESN National Director - +263 771692039 / +263 712415902 Ellen Dingani, ZESN Media and Communications Manager on +263 771692029 to schedule media interviews with the Chairperson or Director zesn@africaonline.co.zwzesn@africaonline.co.zw / info@zesn.org.zw / zesninfo2013@gmail.com or visit www.zesn.org.zwwww.zesn.org.zw 95 | P a g e