required voting materials such as ballot boxes, ballot papers, ZEC official stamp, indelible ink and the voters’ roll at the time of opening. All polling stations covered by ZESN observers had adequate polling personnel with an average of six per polling station. ZESN observer reports show that the process was generally peaceful and smooth with no major incidents reported. At all polling stations where ZESN observed closing of polls and counting, the processes took place according to procedures and results were displayed outside the polling stations. At all the ward collation centres and the constituency collation centre where ZESN observed, all party agents signed the V11 form thus agreeing that the process had been conducted well. ZESN therefore makes the following recommendations in order to improve future electoral processes: Recommendations:  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.  The government should speed up the 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.  ZEC should incorporate lessons from the Marondera Central polling station-based voter registration pilot exercise as a way of improving the system for future elections and to consider the adoption of new ICTs such as the 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 practices in Zimbabwe.  There is 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. 6|P a g e