Counting: According to the law, counting of ballots must be conducted immediately after closing processes at the polling station, and in the presence of election agents, candidates and observers. ZESN observers were permitted to observe counting at polling stations where they were stationed. At 93% of the sampled polling stations, all party agents present were given a copy of the presidential results form. At most polling stations, the presidential results were posted immediately after counting finished. However, ZESN observed that presidential results were posted less frequently for Bulawayo and Matabeleland North province than other provinces. Tabulation and Announcement of Results: For the 2018 harmonised elections, presidential results were transmitted directly from district command centres to the National Results Centre. In previous elections, results were transmitted through the ward, constituency, district, and provincial command centres before being sent to the National Results Centre. This results transmission system was developed to enable expeditious announcement of results within the five-day period stipulated by the law. As parliamentary election results were being announced, the MDC Alliance expressed concern over the delays by ZEC in announcing the presidential election results and alleged that they had unearthed manipulation and rigging56. The party held a press conference on 31 July to voice its concerns over delays to announce the presidential election results and claimed that they had won the presidential election. The claims of victory by the MDC Alliance were countered by ZANU-PF which, through the official Twitter handle of President Mnangagwa, indicated that they had also convincingly won the presidential election thus setting the stage for a disputed electoral outcome. The results of the 210 constituencies showed that ZANU-PF had won 144 seats representing 68.57% of total seats; the MDC Alliance secured 64 seats representing 30.47% while the National Patriotic Front and independent candidate Temba Mliswa got a single seat each. Table 15.1 below shows the results for the National Assembly elections as announced by ZEC. Table 15.1: National Assembly Results Party 56 Number of Seats won in 2018 % of seats (2018) Number of seats won in 2013 Comparison with 2013 (change in seats) https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/africa/2018-07-31-tense-count-as-mdc-claim-election-victory-in-zimbabwe/ 85 | P a g e