It was emphasized that the media should not be used a platform to propagate hate or abusive language or
psychological warfare or propaganda on citizens.
Restrictive Legislation
It was recommended that restrictive provisions of pieces of legislation such as Public Order and Security
Act (POSA) be repealed entirely and that lawmakers ensure that legislation creates a conducive
environment for the holding of free and fair electoral contests.
Political Parties
On political party finance, it was agreed that the distribution of public political party finance under the
current legislative framework should be equitable. Funding of political parties should be transparent and
could be administered by an independent party such as the Electoral Commission. Issues relating to
foreign funding should also be resolved to ensure all political parties are at an even footing.
It was also greed that citizens had a right not to be coerced into funding political party activities through
forced “donations”.
Campaigning
Citizens’ freedom of association, expression and assembly should be guaranteed, protected and enforced.
In addition all political parties should be entitled to equal access to electorate in all areas of the country.
The need for the consistent, impartial application of the law by courts and all law enforcement and security
agents was also stressed as selective application particularly along partisan lines breeds suspicion,
mistrust and can cause political and electoral conflict.
The meeting also agreed that citizens should be protected from the politicisation of food aid, and its use as
a political tool.
Use of State resources
The meeting recommended that provision should be made to regulate the advantage of incumbency and to
minimise the use of government and parastatal assets for political purposes, particularly campaigning.
Role of traditional leaders
It was recommended that the role of traditional leaders should be well defined and should not be abused for
political ends. Participation in party politics should be at an individual level, but should remain neutral and
non-partisan.
Role of Security forces
It was agreed that it was important for civil servants to be impartial and non-partisan in the discharge of
their duties. Further they should not be subjected to political manipulation or intimidation.
Political/Election related conflict
It was recommended that efforts be made by all stakeholders to inculcate a culture of tolerance and
respect, a fair political contest as well as electoral conflict management and resolution
It was recognised that there was a real need for systematic rehabilitation of victims including counselling
and other support systems provided by both civil society and government.
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