War Veterans Vow to Promote Peace Ahead of Zimbabwe's 2018 ElectionsZimbabwe’s war veterans of the 1970s liberation struggle say they will fight for peace in next year's general elections. Members of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA), linked to a faction of the ruling party backing Vice President Emerson Mnangagwa to succeed 93 year old President Robert Mugabe, said they won't be used as political tools in the next election. ZNLWVA chairperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said they would reach out to all war veterans, including those affiliated to the Zipra Veterans Association, in promoting peace before, during and after the polls. Some of the war veterans have in the past been allegedly used by the ruling Zanu PF party to perpetrate violence during elections. Two Zanu PF factions, one allegedly led by Mnangagwa and another known as Generation 40 said to be led by First Lady Grace Mugabe, are fighting for the succession of President Mugabe. Both Mnangagwa and Mrs. Mugabe have distanced themselves from internal Zanu PF political fighting saying they don't habit any presidential ambitions. The president has ruled Zimbabwe since the country attained independence from Britain in 1980.