the Electoral Act the function of the MPLC at central level is to create and establish multiparty liaison subcommittees in each province. In agreement with the Electoral Commission and the political parties represented in Parliament, the multiparty liaison committees will be set up for the entire electoral process in concurrence with a view to the application of this Code of Conduct, according to the timeline stated in the introduction. The functions of a multiparty liaison committee shall be— (a) to monitor political parties, candidates, supporters, their formal and informal associates, and other stakeholders in order to ensure that they adhere to the Code and uphold conditions conducive to free and unfettered free democratic political activity within a climate of tolerance in which political activities may take place without fear of coercion, intimidation or reprisals; (b) to foster and engender a spirit of goodwill among political parties as their contribution to the consolidation of peace in Zimbabwe. To contribute to the institutionalisation of a culture of mutual tolerance, democratic discourse and the principle of fair play in the conduct of national and local political activities in Zimbabwe; (c) to serve as a forum for discussion of issues of common concern, hear and resolve any disputes, concerns, matters or grievances relating to the electoral process, including in particular any disputes arising from allegations concerning non-compliance with the Code; (d) to immediately report upon and refer to the Commission any disputes, concerns, matters or grievances relating to the electoral process; (e) to request the Commission to mediate or appoint an independent mediator to resolve any dispute, concern, matter or grievance relating to the electoral process. The Commission or the mediator appointed should resolve them within the time requested by the multiparty liaison committee or within a reasonable time as per the Electoral Act; (f) to present to the Commission any reports, assessments, records or recommendations relating to the electoral process; and (g) generally, to assist in implementing the Code. (2) The national multiparty liaison committee will delegate some of its functions to provincial multiparty liaison subcommittees. The functions of the provincial subcommittees will mirror the functions and composition of the national committee but will focus exclusively on the provincial context. The provincial subcommittees will also monitor, supervise or direct the activities of constituency multiparty liaison subcommittees. (3) After nomination, Constituency multiparty liaison committees for a Presidential election, a general election for the purpose of electing members of the National Assembly or a by-election to fill a casual vacancy in the National Assembly, as well as local authority multiparty liaison committees for a general election of councillors or a local authority by-election will also be established. (4) A national multiparty liaison committee shall consist of a Commissioner as the chairperson and two representatives of each political party and candidates. The parties will be those represented in Parliament prior to nominations, and those parties and candidates contesting the election after nominations have taken place. Representatives shall be selected by the party concerned. As provided for by the Electoral Act, the composition of a committee can be expanded to include any person invited by the representatives of every political party represented in the committee. The political parties have thus decided to invite representatives from other stakeholders covered by this Code. Representatives of government agencies, Constitutional Commissions (Chapter 12), civil society, individuals and other stakeholders may be invited to attend multiparty stakeholder meetings. (5) Decisions of the multiparty liaison committees shall be made by consensus. (6) Parties commit to refer disputes arising from allegations concerning non-compliance with the Code to the relevant multiparty liaison committee. Compliance – enforcement of the Electoral Act and other relevant legislation 13.(1) In case of non-compliance with the Code of Conduct, political parties commit to take measures, including disciplinary action, and to first seek resolution of disputes within multiparty liaison committees.

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