UntitledOverview
NDI began programming in Zimbabwe in February
1999 to promote political dialogue on electoral
issues to encourage public confidence in
the electoral system. During its first year
of program activities, NDI organized a series
of study missions for Zimbabweans to observe
the electoral processes of neighboring southern
African countries. In May 2000, NDI organized
an international pre-election assessment
mission to assess the political environment,
the electoral framework and preparations
for elections. As a follow-up to the pre-election
observation mission, NDI deployed a team
of long-term election observers. Due to
the Zimbabwe government's decision to deny
accreditation to international non-governmental
organizations to observe the elections,
NDI's observer team was recalled in mid-June.
NDI maintained a staff presence throughout
the remainder of the electoral process,
and into the post-election period.
Political Party Program
Since February 1999, NDI has been actively
working with key political actors to enhance
their ability to promote electoral reforms
and increased dialogue within the highly
polarized political environment. After completing
the series of study missions to observe
elections in neighboring countries, NDI
conducted a series of roundtables to identify
obstacles to credible elections. To increase
public confidence in the election process
and deter fraud, NDI provided technical
assistance and training on election monitoring
to all of the political parties in the months
leading up to the parliamentary elections.
A total of 2,500 party representatives attended
the workshops on how to observe and monitor
the election process.
International Pre-election Assessment Mission
Six weeks prior to the elections, NDI deployed
an international pre-election assessment
mission to Zimbabwe, which was welcomed
by leaders of all Zimbabwean political parties
and civic organizations. The delegates conducted
its activities according to international
standards for nonpartisan international
election observation and Zimbabwean law.
At the completion of more than 30 meetings
in three cities with leaders from government,
political parties and civic groups, the
delegation issued a statement to the international
community on its observations that "the
conditions for credible democratic elections
do not exist in Zimbabwe at this time".
Included in the statement were a series
of recommendations to improve the political
environment and the electoral process to
promote fair and credible elections.
Long-term Election Observation Mission
NDI sent a second team of long-term observers
to Zimbabwe to monitor the political environment
during the pre-election through the post
election period. The team planned to issue
weekly assessment reports on political violence,
the transparency of electoral administration,
voting procedures and voter education efforts
in the month leading up to the elections.
Despite the fact that the Zimbabwean government
denied formal accreditation to all international
nongovernmental observers for the voting
and counting process, NDI staff remained
in the country to monitor and report on
post-election developments, such as the
opening of parliament, challenges to election
results and the political climate.
Contact Information
For more information on NDI's work in Southern and East Africa, please contact:
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