between parties, ZEC and security forces than at the national and provincial levels (see Election Administration section). The opposition held a mass demonstration on 11 July under the slogan “no reforms, no elections”, which attracted thousands of people, including representatives of trade unions, civil society and human rights organisations. The opposition leadership handed over a petition with a series of “urgent electoral demands” – including a call for an external audit of the voter roll, the cessation of printing of ballots and increased transparency in the later distribution of ballots - to ZEC and declared it would escalate the protests if these demands were not responded to. The demonstration passed peacefully but was marked by abusive language by some protestors against the Chair of ZEC, and threats by opposition leaders that the elections would not take place, which contributed to an increase in pre-election tension. Assertions by MDC-Alliance leaders that any outcome in favour of their opponent must be a rigged result also caused tension. Most notably, the MDC-Alliance presidential candidate, Nelson Chamisa, stated he would announce the results before ZEC and the country would be “ungovernable” if elections are rigged. The leader of the People’s Democratic Party and MDC Alliance member, Tendai Biti, reiterated the threat later on Twitter, saying that “Those planning to steal the election must know that this country will be ungovernable”. Statements by opposition leaders that they would not boycott the elections but that “there is not going to be elections in Zimbabwe on 30 July if ZEC continues to stall on key electoral reforms”,50 also created some uncertainty and confusion among stakeholders and voters.51 Some other opposition parties also publicly criticised ZEC. For instance, the MDC-T led by Thokozani Khupe, called for more transparency, accountability and inclusiveness and raised the question of ZEC’s independence by referring to “a shadowy force” in control of the institution. A third MDC-Alliance demonstration against the ZEC, which was planned to take place on 25 July, was banned by the police. B The Pre-Election Environment The history of repression and violence, including state sponsored violence, during previous elections was used as an intimidatory tool in the campaign by some candidates, politicians and supporters, stirring fears among the population about state sponsored post-election violence, for example by referring to the orchestrated violence in 2008.52 EU observers around the country reported an increase in tension closer to the elections and also reported on threats of violent consequences after the election should voters not vote in favour of ZANU-PF. Such threats had a 50 MDC-Alliance Election Bulletin Issue 5 published on 16 July 2018. For example, there has been some speculation on social media related to a possible postponement of the elections. Zimbabwe Election Watch 2018: Postpone the Elections and Address Serious Issues of Concern, posted on 12 July 51 on facebook.com/ZimWatch18 and Twitter.com/ZimWatch18. 52 EU observers reported an increase in references to the 2008 election violence made at campaign rallies and social events. For example on 16 July, at a ZANU-PF rally in Shale, Umzingwane district, Matabeleland South, the National Assembly candidate stated “Vote wisely, vote right. There is no room for mistakes like in 2008. Let there be no repeat of that.” On 3 July in Guruve South, Mashonaland Central, ZANU-PF supporters were singing “Tell them to vote for ZANU-PF unless they want war. If they are not going to vote for ZANU-PF, we are going to start war”, a song used in 2008 elections. The use of similar intimidatory language and songs was observed by EU observers in Manicaland and Masvingo. 20