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Support to Referendum and Electoral Processes in Zimbabwe (REP)

Project completed

The referendum on a new constitution in Zimbabwe and the subsequent election due between March and June 2013 may lead to the return of violence. The project helps to mitigate potential electoral conflicts that may arise through capacitating the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC); structured dialogues among the political parties, CSOs and media; the establishment of Multi-Party Liaison Committees (MPLCs); and roll out of large-scale civic and voter education.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Zimbabwe
Governance
Public sector policy
Decentralisation
01.12.2012 - 30.04.2014
 CHF  1’550’000
The project in brief
Background

The Global Political Agreement (GPA) in Zimbabwe was a vital step to curb the debilitating economic and political situation in 2008. It brought a relatively stable political and economic situation. However, while this transitional arrangement was intended to last only for 18-months, it is now more than four-years and the basic institutional reforms for the referendum and election are yet to be finalized. The political environment also remains very restrictive and volatile with violations of free political activity.
Objectives

To contribute for an environment conducive for free and fair referendum and elections in Zimbabwe.
Target groups

Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), Statutory bodies, Political Parties, CSOs and Media.
Medium-term outcomes

  • Large-scale civic and voter education program is rolled out.
  • ZEC and other statutory institutions are exposed to election conflict management models.
  • ZEC and political parties have improved relationship.
  • Improved transparency of the referendum and election through poll watching.
  • Media is exposed to the practices of informed and unbiased reporting.
  • Subsequent electoral reforms are proposed based on post-referendum/election a review.

    		•
    Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
    Credit area Development cooperation
    Project partners Contract partner
    International or foreign NGO
    • EISA


    Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    1’550’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    789’555
    Project phases

    Phase 1 01.12.2012 - 30.04.2014   (Completed)

    • Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
      GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
      Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation
      Public sector policy and administrative management
      Decentralisation and support to subnational government (incl. accountability)
      Cross-cutting topics Crisis prevention
      The project takes account of gender equality as a cross-cutting theme.
      The project takes account of democratisation, good governance and human rights as cross-cutting themes.
      The project supports partner organisation improvements as a priority
      Type of support Official development assistance (ODA)
      Type of collaboration Bilateral cooperation
      Finance type Aid grant
      Aid Type Mandate without fiduciary fund
      Project and programme contribution
      Tied/untied aid Untied aid
      Project number

      7F08568

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    Last update 30.04.2025