Army speaks on Zanu PF campaign role

Moses Matenga

HARARE – The Zimbabwe Defence Forces has rubbished claims that the army was working to ensure a Zanu PF victory ahead of the July 30 elections and warned against spreading falsehoods regarding its deployment ahead of elections.

This comes as the opposition and other people accuse the military of meddling in Zanu PF politics and having deployed soldiers in rural areas apparently to intimidate the electorate and push them to vote for the ruling party.

ZDF spokesperson Colonel Overson Mgwisi told journalists in Harare on Wednesday that the army will respect the constitution and was not bound by the statement made by the late General Vitalis Zvinavashe that the army will never salute those with no military background.

“Those are their views. The position is we abide by the constitution of the country and our conduct will be guided by the constitution of the country,” he said.

“We would want to raise concern over mischief by elements who mistake our mandate for political campaigns. Reports of ZDF deployment to intimidate villagers to support a political party and enhance its chances are false and should be dismissed.”

He said serving members of the ZDF who were engaged in such acts should be reported and the responsible authorities will take action.

Colonel Mgwisi said soldiers deployed on official duty will be allowed to cast their votes through postal ballots adding that they will be allowed to exercise their democratic right.

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