Lies will not do anyone any good

LIES have very short legs. The recent malicious reports that Zanu-PF had a hand to play in the South African, Mozambique and Botswana elections are ridiculous and laughable at the very least. There is no doubt that Zanu-PF is a juggernaut, but I feel at times our reach is over-estimated. We neither have the capacity nor intention to participate and influence the electoral outcomes in any of our neighbouring countries and none of our supporters ever fraudulently acquired identity cards to vote in foreign elections. We do know that Zanu-PF is a party accustomed to winning, and we have been winning since independence. However, we have limited our operations to within Zimbabwe's borders. We have, never in our history meddled in any elections within our neighbouring countries.

The level of callous hate that our enemies and detractors harbour towards Zanu-PF is truly mind-boggling. How is it possible, that in these independent well-governed countries that have their electoral legal systems in place, Zanu-PF could find its way there to try and influence the electoral outcome. It is apparent that not much thought was given in crafting this evidently erroneous narrative. Such narratives reek of desperation. Our detractors have become desperate, so much so that they are now resorting to the most ridiculous narratives in a desperate ploy to tarnish Zanu-PF's image. Our wish is to see a region that is prosperous and fully economically emancipated. We hope, as Zanu-PF, to continue influencing positive change and positive outcomes within the region and beyond.

While we did render some support in terms of passing on the message to our sister political parties during their elections in Mozambique and Botswana to the electorate as well as showing solidarity with them, that is as far as our involvement went with regards to the several elections that have been held in the region in recent months. There is nothing at all amiss about that. Anyone spreading a narrative other than the facts I have just mentioned is clearly trying to deceive, mislead people and propagate a message of hate.

Zanu-PF is clear in its ways and we have never deviated from those. Under the leadership of our First Secretary and President, His Excellency President Dr ED Mnangagwa, we have managed to strengthen our relations with like-minded revolutionary parties within the region. That is a clear fact for all to see. As you may have noticed, the friends-to-all and enemy-to-none philosophy that has culminated in the engagement and re-engagement policy is being applied not only at Government level but also at the party level. Our doors are open. We will not shy away from those who wish to connect and improve relations as well as partner with us.

Zanu-PF has always been a leader in the region in terms of inspiring positive change. We have always set a good example as we have embarked on the journey to positively impact the lives of our people. The results are evident for all to see as we have significantly improved the livelihoods of our people. Zimbabweans are among the well-to-do people in the region.

We have achieved all this under the albatross of the illegal sanctions unfairly imposed on us by those who see our agenda to empower our people as a threat to their own interests. Such a perception of our intentions is severely flawed. Our desire to ensure prosperity among our own people should in no way be perceived as a threat to foreign nations.

The Zanu-PF-led government has no malicious intentions against foreign or Western governments. Our focus remains firmly rooted in attaining economic emancipation for our people.

It is apparent that common sense eludes some of our enemies. They are so desperate that they concoct some of the most ridiculous narratives in a bid to have people in and outside Zimbabwe turn against the Zanu-PF party. It seems they are fearful of Zanu-PF's capabilities. Why Zanu-PF has stood the test of time is that, it is a deeply principled party that does not waver or deviate from principle. It is this firm grounding in principle that has ensured that our party has stood the test of time. Were it not for our principled ways, we would have collapsed a long time ago. We are meticulous and methodical in our approach as the Zanu-PF party. Our principles entrenched in our Constitution are non-negotiable. This conviction has ensured our longevity.

As we continue fending off a barrage of attacks from our detractors, year in and year out, we say, let them try. Zanu-PF is unmoved, unflinching and remains steadfast. The existential threat to Zanu-PF and other like-minded revolutionary parties still remains ever present.

---------
Dr Obert Moses Mpofu is an academic and the Secretary General of Zanu-PF. He writes in his own capacity.