Harare – 03 August 2018 – The Sample-Based Observation (SBO) Project is an initiative of the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN), the largest local observer group in Zimbabwe. ZESN is a coalition of 36 Non-Governmental Organizations formed in 2000 to coordinate activities pertaining to elections. Its major focus is on the promotion of democratic processes and free and fair elections in Zimbabwe. The organisation is strictly nonpartisan. ZESN observes elections so that citizens can exercise their fundamental right to vote and to provide independent non-partisan information on the conduct of elections to citizens, political contestants and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC). All of ZESN’s activities are in accordance with the Declaration of Global Principles for Citizen Election Observation and Monitoring, the laws of Zimbabwe and, in particular, the ZEC’s Code of Conduct…more

Harare – 2 August 2018 – The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) is concerned by the violence that occurred in Harare yesterday, leading to needless loss of life and urges all political parties, and their supporters to exercise restraint. ZESN also calls upon law enforcement agents to avoid being heavy handed in their efforts to restore order…more

Harare – 31 July 2018 – As part of its comprehensive effort to observe the 2018 Harmonised Elections, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) trained and deployed over 6,500 observers to every ward, constituency, district and province, of the country. This Preliminary Statement is based on reports from a statistical sample of 750 polling stations to provide truly representative information on the conduct of voting and counting in near real time. As of this morning, 739  of 750 (99%) of these observers had reported in…more

Harare – 30 July 2018 – As part of its comprehensive effort to observe the 2018 Harmonised Elections, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has deployed over 6,500 trained, accredited observers to every ward, constituency, district and province, of the country.

This 11 am Situational Statement is based on reports from a statistical sample of 750 polling stations to provide truly representative information on the conduct of voting and counting in near real time. As of 11 am 708 of 750 (94%) of these observers had reported in. Observers who have not yet reported in either do not have network coverage or are unable to report due to challenges with the use of mobile phones at polling stations. ZESN anticipates to receive these reports at the end of the day, after counting has completed…more

27 July 2018 – Harare – The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) notes with concern the dismissal of an application seeking to compel the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to print braille ballot papers for visually impaired voters by the High Court of Zimbabwe. The Constitution of Zimbabwe upholds the rights of persons with disabilities including in electoral processes. Section 155 of the Constitution also compels the state to facilitate voting by persons with disability or special needs. Although ZEC has stated that special attention will be granted to person with disabilities (PWDs) on Election Day…more

24 July 2018 – Harare – The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) welcomes the decision by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to the review the positioning of voting booths ahead of the 30 July 2018 harmonised elections by reverting back to the set up in previous elections. The proposed positioning of the voting booths which would have seen voters casting their ballots in full view of the polling officials, political party agents and observers was a threat to the secrecy of the vote…more

Harare – 19 July 2018 – The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has completed its audit of the 2018 Voters’ Roll as provided by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) on the 18^th of June 2018. Auditing of the 2018 Voters Roll is particularly important given the concerns raised about the 2013 Preliminary Voters Roll. ZESN’s analysis of the 2013 Preliminary Voters Roll found duplicate registrations, under registration of urban and young voters and over registration of rural and older voters…more

18 July 2018 – The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) expresses concern over the design and layout of the Presidential ballot paper which does not conform to provisions of the Electoral Regulations of 2005 and Section 57(a)(1) of the Electoral Act which states the candidates should appear in one column in alphabetical order…more

17 July 2018 – Harare – The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) notes with concern the proposal by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to change the positioning of the voting booths for the 30 July 2018 harmonised election. This development violates Section 86 of the Electoral Act and international best practice as it threatens the secrecy of the vote. ZESN calls upon Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to revisit the decision on the positioning and placement of the booths and put in place mechanisms that ensure that the secrecy of the vote is not compromised…more

Harare – 13 July 2018 – The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) expresses concern over the chaotic start of the postal voting process across the country. Reports emanating from Ross Camp in Bulawayo allege that junior members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) received their ballots from their superiors and voted in their presence. ZESN notes that these allegations are in violation of Section 75(1)(a) of the Electoral Act which guarantees the secrecy of the postal vote…more