In order to improve the conduct of future elections, the ZHRC recommends the following; 7.6 There should be adequate civic education focusing on the right of all citizens to participate in the elections and voter education, particularly on the ward based voting system and the election process in general in accordance with section 40D of the Electoral Act. 7.7 Whilst the Government has made strides in ensuring that voters who cannot vote owing to some limitations such as illiteracy and disability can be assisted to vote in terms section 59 of the Electoral Act, voter education should be intensified for those persons with disability so that they are able to exercise their rights. This could be done through the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and designated Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) with a focus on persons with disability. In addition, polling stations should be accessible for persons with disability by ensuring that the paths leading to the polling stations are cleared of any obstacles that could hinder mobility and access by wheel chair or other assistive devices. 7.8 The ZHRC recommends the adoption of Guidelines on the number of police officers to be at each polling station. It is further recommended that each polling station have a limited number of police officers and a special unit on stand-by at a nearby police station, to avoid a situation of crowding polling stations thus having an intimidatory effect on the electorate. 7.9 The playing field should be levelled to ensure all candidates campaign freely in all areas without intimidation and to ensure voters vote freely without undue influence by other community members such as traditional leaders. 7.10 There should be an up to date voters’ roll that does not disenfranchise people in any way including those formerly referred to as ‘aliens’ who may find themselves stateless. 7.11 The ZHRC recommends strict adherence to the electoral law, for instance, on the enforcement of deadlines for campaigning for all contesting parties. Page 13 of 15