Zimbabwe
Since 2012, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) has worked to strengthen the capacity of the Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) and civil society organizations (CSOs) to promote credible, inclusive and transparent elections. Under the “Strengthening Election Administration and Civic Participation” program (2015-19) funded by the United States Agency for International Development, IFES is supporting six CSOs to increase voter participation. Under the European Union-funded “Institutional Strengthening for the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission” program, IFES has delivered key technical assistance that includes upgrading the National Data Center and providing information and communication technology support, conducting national and provincial workshops and trainings and a national strategic plan review, and strengthening biometric and provisional voter registration processes through evaluations and trainings. With the support of Global Affairs Canada, IFES implemented the 2018 “Ending Impunity for Violence Against Women in Elections (VAWE) in Zimbabwe” program. This program included training local CSOs on the VAWE methodology, pursuing prosecution of VAWE crimes and offering rapid response assistance for survivors. Under the “Enhancing Local Governance in Zimbabwe” program, IFES works to stimulate grassroots civic engagement in local governance processes across Zimbabwe by providing advocacy and social-networking capacity building to community-based organizations (CBOs). With IFES support, the CBOs continue to implement public awareness-raising campaigns and mobilize concerted advocacy for improved local government service delivery and accountability. IFES also supports disabled people’s organizations to increase disability rights through conducting polling station accessibility assessments for persons with disabilities and making recommendations to the ZEC.
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