In the immediate post-independence period, the party sought to promote the position of White Zimbabweans and did not initially seek support amongst other ethnic groups.
Smith's response to this in the 1985 general election was to mount a campaign against the defectors, and RF (now renamed CAZ) succeeded in winning 15 of the 20 white seats.
[2] [full citation needed] The white seats in Parliament were abolished in 1987, although CAZ continued to enjoy limited representation at municipal level.
By that time, white-led civic groups such as the CZI (Confederation of Zimbabwe Industry) and CFU (Commercial Farmers Union) were openly supporting ZANU–PF.
[citation needed] Following the abolition of the "white roll" seats in parliament, the CAZ attempted to shed some of its past legacy and broaden its appeal by reaching out to black voters and advertising membership to people of all races.