1 zimbabwe election support network [zesn] - Nehanda Radio

Foreword
The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN), is a network of 38 independent, non-partisan, nongovernmental
organizations promoting democratic elections in Zimbabwe. It has been observing all
aspects of elections since its inception in 2000. ZESN utilizes the Southern African Development
Community (SADC) Principles and Guidelines Governing the Conduct of Democratic Elections as the
yardstick to measure the conduct of an election.
The democratization process in Africa in general and Zimbabwe in particular has taken a long winding
road that has resulted in electoral outcomes that have been at best acknowledged and at worst
condemned. The oscillating executive decisions on the conduct of elections in respective countries
have resulted in Africa being labeled emerging democracies even where the country in particular
attained independence three decades ago. Democracy has been associated with elections and yet it is
in danger of authoritarian manipulation. Historically, elections have been an instrument of authoritarian
control as well as a means of democratic governance.
The relative importance of elections in the democratization process is key in that the success of any
democracy depends primarily on the conduct of participatory, competitive politics particularly free and
fair elections that render legitimacy to the incumbent. However, elections in themselves are not
sufficient to ensure democracy because even military juntas also hold elections to try and buy legitimacy
from their victims.
Electoral experiences, especially in Africa suggest their potential double-edged nature. On one hand by
organizing periodic elections, governments create some semblance of democratic legitimacy and at
the same time by placing those elections under tight authoritarian controls they try to cement their
continued hold on power. Their dream is to reap the fruits of electoral legitimacy without running the
risks of democratic uncertainty. Balancing between electoral control and electoral credibility,
governments situate themselves in a nebulous zone of structural ambivalence.
ZESN however, believes the democratization road must start with inclusive, participatory, free and fair
elections. It also believes that elections form a fundamental value upon which democracy can lay its
solid foundation. The fundamental concept that electoral reform will ultimately lead to broader political
and economic reform is critical. The idea that electoralism alone suffices is fast losing ground as the
modern thinking denotes that it should be in tandem with the respect for human freedoms and choices,
contestation and participation which ultimately leads to legitimacy.
The March 27, 2008 harmonized election was relatively calm with less incidents of political violence.
The polling processes were generally smooth without serious problems. The period leading to the run
off witnessed a dramatic down ward shift election in terms of election environment, processes and
management which resulted in the election being condemned by regional member states as well as
local civil society organisations and individuals, which ultimately led to a contested election.
ZESN’s vision is a Zimbabwe where democratic electoral environment and processes are upheld. This
vision can only be realized where the political environment is conducive for holding free and fair
elections, where citizens are free to form, join and support conflicting parties, candidates and policies,
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