1 zimbabwe election support network [zesn] - Nehanda Radio

When the presidential results were finally released on 2 May 2008, the results fall within the
ZESN projections especially when the margins of error are taken into account. ZESN
projections had+/-2.4% and +/-2.6% margins of error for Tsvangirai and Mugabe respectively.
After the announcement of the presidential results by ZEC, ZANU PF was quick to accept the
results while the MDC appeared uninterested.
ZESN however could not verify the presidential results that were announced by ZEC on 2 May
2008 as the ZEC National Command Center was closed on the 6 th of April and only opened on
the 1 st of May for tabulation of Presidential results. The fact that ZESN was not aware of the
chain of custody of the ballot materials during the aforementioned period further rendered
substantiation of ZEC figures impossible. What remains however clear was that the delay
raised fundamental questions about the autonomy, impartiality, credibility and transparency of
ZEC.
Transparency in the verification, collation and tabulation of Presidential results was highly
suspect as party agents who are required by the law to be present were not invited to witness
the process. The Second Schedule of the Electoral Act, section 2[2] and [3] provides that
verification, collation and tabulation of constituency returns be done in the presence of
candidates, their chief election agents and observers.
ZEC also failed to avail information on the final number and distribution of polling stations,
distribution of postal votes, distribution of registered voters at close of inspection on 14
February 2008 which again made it difficult for the network to ascertain and analyze the overall
distribution of results. However, the announcement of presidential results confirmed that ZESN
projections were accurate especially when the margins of error are taken into account. ZESN
projections had+/-2.4% and +/-2.6% margins of error for Tsvangirai and Mugabe respectively.
Under the unfolding circumstances ZESN re-emphasized the need for Zimbabwe to adhere to
and implement minimum conditions set out in Southern African Development Community
[SADC] Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections. As the political contenders
re-geared themselves for a second encounter, ZESN called for zero tolerance on the prevailing
political violence, particularly exhorting all political leaders to denounce political violence
publicly. ZESN also urged the police to act swiftly and decisively in dealing with the
perpetrators in accordance with the law. Also emphasized was that the conditions prevailing
prior to the 29 March poll serve as minimum requirements for the run off. Further discouraged
by ZEC were any changes to the electoral legal framework through the use of the Presidentially
Powers [Temporary Measures] legislation or any other instrument. Commendable reforms,
particularly the posting of results outside polling stations and constituency tabulation centers
should not be eroded.
An election, as many a time emphasized by ZESN, presents citizens with the opportunity to
take the destiny of their nation into their hands. ZESN therefore urges all Zimbabweans who
are registered to vote out in their numbers and exercise that democratic right freely. Above all,
ZESN also urged the authorities to respect the will of the people of Zimbabwe.
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