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Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Elections Desk
AS it intensifies its election campaign, the ruling Zanu-PF party has called on Zimbabweans from across the political divide to desist from engaging in any form of violence before, during, and after elections, saying those caught on the wrong side of the law should be prosecuted.
Ahead of the August 23 elections, Zanu PF’s campaign strategy will see the Presidium and all other party office bearers joining and assisting the party Presidential candidate, Cde Mnangagwa, in taking the party’s election manifesto to all corners of the country.
Speaking at a media briefing in Harare yesterday, Zanu PF Secretary for Information and Publicity Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa said the law is not selective, and anyone caught engaging in acts of violence during the campaign period would face the full wrath of the law.
Cde Mutsvangwa was flanked by the party’s director for Information and Publicity, Cde Tafadzwa Mugwadi and former Zanu PF Harare provincial political commissar Cde Shadreck Mashayamombe.
“As Zanu PF, we are saying no to violence during the campaign and election period. Perpetrators of violence during the election period will face the wrath of the law. If anyone is found engaging in violence, whether in Zanu PF, CCC, or MDC they will be prosecuted. Let’s campaign peacefully,” said Cde Mutsvangwa.
He called on Zimbabweans across the political divide to report any cases of violence.
“Report all cases of violence to the police. If a Zanu PF member is found engaging in acts of violence, the party will take drastic action against the perpetrators of violence”.
Zanu PF officially launched its 2023 election campaign in Chipinge, the home of Zanu founding father Reverend Ndabaningi Sithole, a fortnight ago.
Cde Mutsvangwa urged Zimbabweans to rally behind Zanu PF in next month’s harmonised elections for accelerated development and in defence of the country’s independence and freedom.
Last weekend, President Mnangagwa addressed a rally at Nyele Primary School in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South Province, which coincided with the 24th anniversary of the death of former Vice President and veteran nationalist Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, a doyen of African liberation, a gentle giant and a passionate nation-builder.
This weekend, the party’s star rally will be held in Mashonaland West province in honour of the late founding President of Zimbabwe, Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe.
The party, Cde Mutsvagwa said, is holding successful rallies to drum up support ahead of the impending elections.
As part of mobilising voters, Cde Mutsvangwa said the party will hold its main rally in Mashonaland West province on Saturday.
“We will move to other provinces to reach out to the electorate. President Mnangagwa will address star rallies, which will largely have a provincial thrust,” he said.
Cde Mutsvangwa scoffed at the CCC leadership for failing to get funding from Mr George Soros’ Open Society Foundation which used to support opposition political parties to dislodge ruling parties across the world and replace them with puppets.
“We have heard he has retrenched 40 percent of the global workforce. Brown envelopes are no longer coming to opposition political parties. So much money was used in supporting opposition political parties trying to fight Zanu PF,” he said.
Zanu PF has so far won 92 uncontested Local Authority seats.
“This is a pointer to the very election which is coming because the other political parties are disorganised, they do not have organisational history. Their funders, the Americans and the British, abandoned them because George Soros who used to be their underwriter has now decided to throw in the towel and his son Alexander Soros is not interested in funding any opposition parties,” said Cde Mutsvangwa.
Cde Mashayamombe, who is returning to the ruling party, vowed to mobilise voters to ensure a resounding victory for Zanu PF.
“We want to ensure the party wins resoundingly come elections. We are fully behind President Mnangagwa. Most of our comrades such as former Bikita South legislator Jappy Jaboon and former Rushinga legislator, Wonder Mashange, are now back to work for the ruling party,” said Cde Mashayamombe.
Online Reporter