The EUEOM is currently having a roundtable with a broad variety of stakeholders in the electoral process to get their feedback on the key recommendation by the EUEOM.

Discussion starts on EUEOM recommendation to align the electoral act with the 2013 constitution. Participants call on parliament to lead the process, including public hearings and consultations with stakeholders.

Participants agree that establishment of reasonable and appropriate time limits for adjudication of pre-election applications are needed. It's also noted that courts often have an overly technical approach. Political will and political interest is needed.

2nd block of recommendations target increased effectiveness of ZEC. This includes strengthening ZEC's independence, to be free from governmental oversight in the approval of its regulations; effective information on all steps of elections preparations with full transparency (1/2)

Also ZEC's results management process must be coherent and better explained to all stakeholders to enhance transparency, verifiability and integrity of the elections. This could include publishing the original V11 and V23a/b returns. (2/2)

Participants broadly support the recommendations based also on their own experience with ZEC, e.g. related to access to manuals, postal voting, voters roll, ballot paper. Stakeholders were often perceived as enemies. ZEC statements were reactive, defensive and were not preemptive

Participants consider transparent publication of results as one of the most important recommendations in order to enhance trust in the electoral process as a whole and ZEC in particular.

3rd block covers the creation of a level playing field and conducive campaign environment.

1. Recommendation: ZBC needs to be reformed into a truly independent public service broadcaster and state owned media must abide by their legal obligations to be impartial and provide equitable treatment to all political parties and candidates.

2. Recommendation: promote accountability and transparency of campaign finance and expenditure by introducing explicit regulations, including reporting requirements. There also needs to be a clear mandate for an independent institution to oversee adherence and undertake audits.

3. Recommendation: Constituency delimination must be carried out well before the next elections to ensure equal suffrage in accordance with the constitution. Political parties and civil society should be consulted with a complaint and appeals process in place prior to adoption.

4. Recommendation: Legislative measures including effective and dissuasive sanctions, should be introduced to mitigate abuse of state resources such as misuse of government vehicles, property and and funds to guarantee the free expression of the will of electors.

Participants say opening of media sphere will be difficult if focus is on state media only. Social media must be considered, as they become more important. Enforcement mechanism must be established. Electronic media should be liberalised – licensing community radios is important

Participants agree that accountability and transparency of party finances is important. They highlight identification of enforcement mechanisms and challenges particularly for smaller parties.

Participants call on an inclusive process when it comes to delimitation of constituencies to ensure consideration of various political and societal aspects.

Final block of recommendations target increased inclusivity: 1. more frequent MPLC meetings throughout the entire electoral process as an effective tool for conflict resolution and a forum for reporting on non-compliance, views of ZEC and information. (1/2)

2. Ensure enhanced voter registration in "under-registered" districts of the country to ensure universal and equal suffrage.

Participants agree on the importance of the Multi-Party-Liaison-Committees for all relevant electoral stakeholders.

Deputy Chief Observer Mark Stevens wraps up the round table, ensuring participants that their recommendations and comments will be taken into consideration.

This round table was the final public event by the EUEOM. From here on the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe will take over to engage further in a productive dialogue and other activities in consultation with stakeholders.