A total of 23 candidates registered for the presidential candidacy, 1.631 for the National Assembly and 6.576 for Local Authorities elections. Human Rights Violations during the nomination process The Nomination process was generally peaceful, however, the Forum Researchers who were observing the process in Harare noted disturbances at the Chitungwiza Municipality Nomination Court. The human rights violations documented by the Forum and ZESN are summarized. On 14 June 2018, at the Chitungwiza Municipality, trouble began when an MDCT Khupe candidate tried to skip the queue and submit papers for all his party’s Council candidates and he was barred by the MDC-A supporters. After being stopped he then tried to smuggle the papers through the window using another party member who was already in the Nomination Court room. This did not go well with the MDC-A youths who assaulted and manhandled him until the uniformed police officers intervened by hiding him in another room away from the angry MDC-A supporters. Commotion continued with youths singing derogatory and obscene songs against Thokozani Khupe calling her a ‘sell out’ and ‘prostitute’ and threatened to deal with if she continued selling out. One police officer was also manhandled by the rowdy and visibly intoxicated youths. The riot police had to be called to quell the situation and they came armed with tear gas canisters, baton sticks and in full anti-riot regalia and attack dogs. All supporters and non-candidates were dispersed from the Nomination arena and were allowed to observe from outside the gates. Justice Chigumba (ZEC Chairperson) had to attend to the scene later e and she entered the premises for a briefing and left about 20 minutes later. The chanting of slogans and singing continued outside the arena as youths manned the gate and searched everyone who wanted to enter making sure they would not submit any more notification papers on behalf of the MDC- T Khupe candidates. Most of the nomination papers for the MDC T Khupe candidates were torn by the angry MDC -A youths. ZESN monitors reported two (2) cases of violence, which are as follows. ▪ On 14 June, at the Chitungwiza Municipality Office, in Harare Province, some MDC-T Alliance supporters blocked the gate, preventing some people who had 20