RECOMMENDATIONS ZESN makes the following recommendations in order to improve future electoral processes:  ZESN calls upon ZEC to investigate reports of alleged intimidation in Marondera Central and the destruction of opposition campaign posters in Mbire to ensure that the right to freely choose representatives is respected and political parties adhere to the code of conduct.  ZEC must put in place clear measures for the reporting and resolution of conflicts and claims of intimidation and the Commission should publicise and enforce the political parties’ code of conduct.  In addition, the organisation reiterates its calls for the government to speed up alignment of election-related laws with the Constitution as well as implement electoral reforms in particular the creation of a conducive electoral environment that guarantees the respect and enjoyment of universal suffrage and fundamental freedoms.  We urge the ZEC to incorporate lessons from the Marondera Central polling station based voter registration pilot exercise in the deployment of future voter registration models and to consider the adoption of new ICTs such as inclusion of biometrics in voter registration and new ICTs in results management and transmission.  The government must ensure that it ratifies, domesticates and implements the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Good Governance ahead of the 2018 elections. Ratification of these key instruments will advance democracy and democratic practice in Zimbabwe  ZESN reinforces the need for continued collaboration by ZEC with key electoral stakeholders such as civil society in conducting comprehensive voter education in order to enhance voters understanding of key electoral processes and requirements  Government must actively participate, together with non-governmental organisations, in electoral education to promote women’s electoral participation and gender equality.  The government must ensure that the pending legislative reforms are implemented in order to ensure that ZEC is fully capacitated to carry out their mandate. 12. CONCLUSION ZESN continues to note the recurring gaps and inadequacies in the legal framework of elections. The Network therefore reiterates that electoral reforms continue to be a priority in promoting credible elections. ZESN implores political parties, government and parliament to support efforts to speed up the harmonisation of the Electoral Laws to the Constitution and the need for political will to fully implement the electoral provisions as Zimbabwe prepares for the 2018 elections. 20 | P a g e

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