A free and fair election can only take place in an environment of political tolerance and at least relative peace and stability.

There are provisions in Part XXIA of the Electoral Act on conflict management. The main aim of these provisions is to set up structures that will prevent or resolve conflicts and to ensure observance of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates.

The structures for conflict management are multi-party liaison committees. ZEC must establish these committees as soon as possible after the close of nominations in an election. Decisions of these committees are made by consensus.

It must first set up a national multi-party liaison committee consisting of —

• a ZEC Commissioner as chairperson of the committee;
• 2 representatives of each political party contesting the election selected by their parties;
• 2 representatives of an independent candidate is contesting a Presidential election;
• any person invited by the representatives of every political party represented in the committee.

The national multi-party liaison committee is given the function of establishing multi-party liaison subcommittees in each province. It can delegate any of its functions to these subcommittees but it must monitor, supervise and direct their activities

The national multi-party liaison committee must also establish

• constituency multi-party liaison committee for each constituency in which the election is contested,
• a local authority multi-party liaison committee for each local authority area in which the election is contested,

A constituency multi-party liaison committee, consists of

• a representative of ZEC selected by ZEC;
• a representative of each political party contesting the election, who shall be selected by the party or candidate concerned;
• 2 representatives of an independent candidate is contesting a Presidential election;
• any person invited by the representatives of every political party represented in the committee.

A local authority multi-party liaison committee, consists of

• a representative of ZEC selected by ZEC;
• a representative of each political party contesting the election, who shall be selected by the party or candidate concerned;
• 1 representatives of an independent candidate is contesting a Presidential election;
• any person invited by the representatives of every political party represented in the committee.

The main function of these multi-party liaison committees is to resolve problems through dialogue and generally assist in the implementation of the Code of Conduct. They must—

• hear and attempt to resolve any disputes, concerns, matters or grievances relating to the electoral process, including in particular any disputes arising from allegations concerning non-compliance with the Code of Conduct; and
• immediately report upon and refer to ZEC any disputes, concerns, matters or grievances relating to the electoral process.

They may request ZEC to mediate or appoint an independent mediator to resolve any dispute, concern, matter or grievance relating to the electoral process.

They may also present to ZEC any reports, assessments, records or recommendations relating to the electoral process.