ZESN - Promoting Democratic Elections in Zimbabwe Annex 1: International Election Observation Prior to the holding of the 2018 harmonized elections, the Zimbabwean government welcomed various regional and international observer missions whom they accredited to observe the pre-election, Election Day and postelection processes. This was one of the indications of an improved political space. More than 46 countries and 15 International organizations were invited to observe this year's elections. Election Day as well as immediate post-election statements. The various observer missions noted that the 2018 elections were peaceful and well administered, however the ZEC fell short in ensuring women political participation in the electoral processes. ZESN was applauded by the various observer missions for conducting an independent voters' roll audit. The Southern Africa Development CommunityParliamentary Forum (SADC PF), African Union (AU), European Union (EU), International Republican Institute and National Democratic Institute (IRI/NDI), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Commonwealth, the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC countries (ECF-SADC), Election Support Network of Southern Africa ( ESN-SA), the Council of Elders, The Carter Center, ZCC and the CCJP are among the observer groups which were monitoring the election process. They also issued preliminary statements on pre-election and The observer missions highlighted that some of the issues that were brought to the fore by the opposition parties are a result of residual mistrust for ZEC emanating from the previous elections. They concurred that there were delays in the release of the Voters' Roll, lack of pro-active communications strategy as well as lack of transparency in the procurement, printing and layout of ballot papers. The table below shows the key observations and recommendations by the observer missions: Summary of International Election Observer Missions' (EOMs) Election Reports 1. SADC ELECTORAL OBSERVATION MISSION (SEOM) TO THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE Electoral Issue Recommendation 1. Legal framework The Mission urges the Government of Zimbabwe to consider expediting alignment of outstanding aspects of the Electoral Law to the new Constitution. 2. Voters Roll The Mission urges ZEC to endeavour to avail the voter's roll, as and when, required by stakeholders to allow enough time for inspection and verification. 3. Public Communication by ZEC Given the concerns raised by certain stakeholders on the alleged partiality of the ZEC, the Mission calls on ZEC to consider adopting a pro-active communication strategy which engages stakeholders at every relevant stage of the electoral processes in order to build confidence and a sense of ownership amongst key stakeholders and the general public. 4. Postal voting The Mission urges the ZEC to conduct sensitisation programs regarding postal voting particularly related to its modalities and management. 5. Diaspora Voting The Mission advises that, consideration should be given to permit voting by Zimbabweans in the diaspora. 6. Media The Mission advises the ZEC and the Media Commission to ensure that the Constitution and Electoral Law are enforced with respect to the conduct of the media. 7. Women and gender balance In line with the Constitution of Zimbabwe, and the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development of 2008, the SEOM encourages all stakeholders to review the political and social environment, with a view to promoting women and gender balance in positions of political leadership. 8. Provisions for persons with disabilities While the Mission commends ZEC for introducing mechanisms for voters with disabilities to access polling stations, the Government and ZEC are urged to continue to establish user-friendly polling stations to cater for people with disabilities, including the provision of braille ballot papers. 72 REPORT ON THE 30 JULY 2018 HARMONISED ELECTIONS ZESN