Zimbabwe – Ready for Elections? 21 The primaries for ZANU PF were characterised by boycotts, violence and confusion. 91 The primaries for the two political parties were contested with supporters of the parties refusing to support imposed candidates. Primaries for other parties such as MDC, Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn, and ZAPU appeared to have progressed without incident, as no negative reports were published. As a result, on nomination day, those that had not been endorsed by either ZANU PF or MDC-T hierarchies filed their papers as independent candidates. In some cases more than one candidate filed papers on behalf of a particular party as their nomination papers were supported by competing structures and hierarchies, something likely to cause confusion to voters on polling day. Nomination of candidates ahead of the 31 July 2013 polls proceeded on 28 June 2013 according to the framework and requirements set out in the Electoral Act as amended. Several political parties attended at various Nomination Courts that had been set up throughout the country. Nomination courts were identified and publicised in the government gazette by the incumbent in Proclamation 2 of 2013.92 The Nomination Court designated locations included Magistrates’ Courts, government offices, and local government offices.93 The Harare High Court was designated to accept nomination papers for the presidential candidates.94 In the case of local government, initially nomination proved to be a challenge for some, as ZEC once again imposed onerous requirements not supported by law, such as the production of a rates clearance certificate by candidates, and police clearance to show that they had not committed any fraud.95 This requirement was later withdrawn. Other requirements included those set out in the new Constitution, and the Electoral Act. Application fees were also prescribed by law. The Nomination Court was scheduled to start to sit from 10:00hours at the identified locations.96 A total of 876 candidates were approved to contest elections – 5 were presidential candidates97 and 871 National Assembly candidates competing for 210 constituencies.98Some nomination results were contested by way of appeals filed at the Electoral Courts that were set up on 1 July, although they were negligible in the grander scheme of the number of candidates. This is discussed in detail in Chapter 4. By 12 July ZEC started to publicise the results of nomination including the names of the candidates who had withdrawn.99 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 acrimony” Zimbabwe Independent (28 June 2013) p 3; “High turn out forces extension of ZANU PF primaries” The Herald (26 June 2013) p 1; T Maodza “Chaos reigns in MDC T primaries” The Herald (10 June 2013) p 3. As above. Statutory Instrument 86 of 2013. Note 102 above. Note 102 above. T Mugabe “ZEC announces nomination rules” The Herald (26 June 2013) p 2. Proclamation 2 of 2013 Statutory Instrument 86/ 2013. C Zvauya “ZEC turns down 35 Presidential aspirants” Daily News (1 July 2013) p3. F Share “871 candidates to contest elections” The Herald (8 July 2013) p 3. See ZEC insert Newsday (12 July 2013) p 6, 28, E1-E8, Z1-Z32.