The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) is a network of Zimbabwean non-governmental organisations which play a central role in promoting democratic processes, particularly free and fair elections, in the country. It was formed in 2000 with the aim of standardising civil society's approach to election-related methodology in the country as well as to ensure wider geographical coverage and co-ordination of activities.
Objectives
- To enhance citizen participation in issues of governance and democracy.
- To promote democratic, free and fair electoral processes through objectively and impartially monitoring and observing elections.
- To promote the creation of a legal framework and election culture for free and fair elections.
- To gather, disseminate and communicate objective information about elections and other democratic processes.
Among ZESN's values are secrecy of the ballot, mutual respect and tolerance, respect for human rights, transparency, peace, informed citizen participation, non-discrimination, gender equality, gender sensitivity, non-partisanship, and honesty.
ZESN is currently host to the Southern African Development Community - Election Support Network (SADC-ESN): a regional network of fifteen non-governmental organisations working in the area of elections in the South African Development Community region through networking with domestic observer groups. It aims at building the capacity of individual members and establishing regional best practices through mutual reinforcement and dialogue.
