The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) held a two- day Conference in Bulawayo
from 28 to 29 February 2024 with the overall objective; to review the 2023 Harmonized
Elections focusing on the legislative framework, the administrative framework and the
political environment. The meeting also analyzed the role of Civil Society Organisations
(CSOs) and other electoral stakeholders in the elections. More specifically, the Conference
sought to facilitate a constructive evaluation and well-informed review of the 2023
Harmonized Elections by reflecting on the successes, failures and lessons learnt in the
elections. It also sought to share an understanding among stakeholders of the gaps in the
electoral framework as well as stakeholders’ input on the recommendations to be
adopted ahead of the 2028 Harmonized Elections and by-elections that take place in
between.
The Conference was attended by 130 delegates drawn from ZESN Member
organisations, the Chapter 12 Institutions Supporting Democracy, political parties,
members of the academia, media organisations, other CSOs’ Community-Based
Organisations (CBOs) and Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs) working on elections and
representing various interests groups like women, youth and Persons with Disabilities
(PwDs). Among the Chapter 12 Institutions were representatives from the Zimbabwe
Gender Commission (ZGC), Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) and the
Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC). Political parties represented at the workshop
included Zimbabwe African Union- Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), the Citizens Coalition for
Change (CCC), United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) and the Labour Economists African
Democrats (LEAD).
The presentations at the Conference covered various themes, including the legislative
and administrative framework, the political environment and the role of CSOs and other
electoral stakeholders. Other themes examined included political party campaign
strategies and messaging, electoral dispute resolution mechanisms, the role of the media
in elections and key lessons and recommendations from the 2023 elections. The
Conference featured presentations and panel discussions led by experts, practitioners,
and observers who offered diverse perspectives on the 2023 elections.
