as well as most of the beneficiaries of the trust, are registered voters who have a direct interest in the proper conduct of an election in Zimbabwe. Furthermore, the Applicants also have an interest in ensuring that the First Respondent fulfils its function to ensure that an election is conducted efficiently, freely, fairly and transparently. On that premise, there can be no doubt that the Applicants have met the requirement that it must have a direct and substantial interest for the purposes of the declaratory order sought. THE APPLICANTS ARE INTERESTED PARTIES 15. I contend that the Applicants are interested parties in that both I and the Second Applicant have a direct and substantial interest in ensuring that the First Respondent adheres to its constitutional duty to deliver a free, fair and transparent election. I am advised that a direct and substantial interest means a real, and not imagined interest, which is not too remote as to be capable of being genuinely protected by law. Further, I am advised that the interest should be one that might result in prejudice to the Applicants if it is not protected. 16. In the present case, I have a direct and substantial interest that my right to a free, fair and transparent election is respected, protected, promoted and fulfilled. I will suffer prejudice if my political 7