ZESN - Promoting Democratic Elections in Zimbabwe Summary of Recommendations of International Election Observer Missions' (EOMs) Preliminary Statements Governing and Guiding principles for the EOM Key issues raised Recommendations Southern African Development Community Elections Observation Mission Clause on civil and political rights There has been a remarkable improvement in the exercise and protection of civil and human rights compared to 2008. Pre-election and Voting processes were in line with key legal and constitutional provisions and SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections. Electoral Commissions Forum of Southern African Development Community Countries Principles for Election Management, Monitoring and Observation (PEMMO) Welcomed gender mainstreaming in the appointment of the ZEC Chairperson and Deputy. Suggested the broadening of the narrow scope of postal voting to accommodate Zimbabweans living in the Diaspora Noted political tolerance among party supporters. Applauded the provision of adjustable polling booths to cater for the people with disabilities. Election Support Network of Southern Africa SADC Principles governing the conduct of democratic elections PEMMO. Citizens conducted themselves peacefully during the pre-election period. Noted with sadness, the death of people when the army shot protesting civilians. Political parties should ensure that their supporters are peaceful. The observer mission appreciated the high level of women participation as polling staff. There was poor lighting in the voting booths at some polling stations. The media should report factual news and assist in promoting a peaceful environment. Assisted voting rules need to be applied procedurally so as not to violate the secrecy of the vote. A review of the results management specifically reducing the number of forms that should be completed. International Republican Institute/National Democracy Institute Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation SADC Principles governing the conduct of democratic elections AU Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. The layout of polling stations appeared to safeguard voting secrecy. Though few, cases of violence and harassment demonstrated the need for all stakeholders to work diligently to honour the people's will through and beyond elections. Noted with concern the June 23 Grenade attack in Bulawayo which killed 2 people and injured 49. The ZEC failed to tabulate and publicly avail the presidential election results expeditiously. Traditional and social media coverage of women candidates focused on superficial attributes like appearance. The practice to demand voter registration slips from voters in the pre-election period undermined confidence in the secrecy of the vote. All political parties should marshal the will and demonstrate concerted efforts to unify the country. The Judiciary should fulfil its constitutional obligations by being impartial when addressing electoral challenges and provide timely redress for complaints that are lodged. The Police and the military should exercise restraint and ensure that the election process produces a peaceful outcome. Zimbabweans should weigh the Constitutional Court ruling in light of the overall electoral process to determine the credibility if the election. There was repression against opposition leaders. Zimbabwe has not yet demonstrated that it has established a tolerant and democratic culture. 77 REPORT ON THE 30 JULY 2018 HARMONISED ELECTIONS ZESN