4 5 The formation of Multi-Party Liaison Committees (MPLC) could have, if used effectively, enforced the Electoral Code of Conduct by establishing areporting mechanism on non-compliance as foreseen in the Electoral Act (160C) and the Code of Conduct (12.1), and enhanced, accountability and transparency in the electoral process. However, this was a missed opportunity, as the national-level MPLC did not meet as regularly as it should have and was not used enough by either ZEC or the political parties as a real forum to resolve disputes. (p. 12) There needs to be more frequent MPLC meetings throughout the entire electoral process, so that it is an effective conflict resolution tool for political parties and provides an effective forum for reporting on non-compliance with the Code and for exchanges of views and information with ZEC. ZEC’s management often lacked inclusivity, transparency or effective external communications. For instance, key meetings were cancelled and key decisions were poorly communicated. ZEC’s website was relaunched in July but it lacked key information, including resolutions which complement the Electoral Act which is in breach of constitutional transparency provisions. (p. 12) ZEC should offer effective information on all steps of the electoral preparations with full transparency, making all information of public interest immediately and easily accessible, including resolutions and complete and timely publication of polling station results. No change needed ZEC, Parliament, Political Parties Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Election, Article 5.1.4 Transparency / Freedom of Expression ACHPR, Chapter 5, Article 12(2) and 13 “Strengthen political institutions to entrench a culture of democracy and peace” “State Parties shall take measures to ensure and maintain political and social dialogue, as well as public trust and transparency between political leaders and the people, in order to consolidate democracy and peace” ACHPR, Chapter 2, Article 2(6) “Nurture, support and consolidate good governance by promoting democratic culture and practice, building and strengthening governance institutions and inculcating political pluralism and 
tolerance.” ICCPR Article 19(2) Changes in ZEC management processes, Amendment of Electoral Act as required ZEC, Parliament “Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice” Right of access to information “ To give effect to the right to information, States parties should proactively put in the public domain Government information of public interest. “ ICCPR, GC 34, Article 19 “Every individual shall have the right to receive information”. African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, (ACHPR) Article 9.1 Promotion of transparency “ Each State Party shall, in accordance with the 51