… As Mnangagwa announces 2023 election date
Beverly Bizeki
Masvingo Root of Development Organisation Trust (MaRODO) has emphasized the need for youth participation in electoral processes as voter registration for the 2023 election has ended.
With August 23, 2023 having been proclaimed as the date for the election, MaRODO in a statement released on June 1, 2023 said young people should be actively involved in politics to ensure that their voices are heard in a bid to have a significant impact in shaping the future of the nation.
“First and foremost, we want to emphasize the importance of youth participation in electoral processes. The youth make up a significant and large portion of the population in Zimbabwe, and as such, our voices must be heard in decision-making processes that affect our future.
“Therefore, it is essential for all fellow young people of voting age to engage in electoral processes by registering to vote and turning out to vote on 23 August, Election Day, this year,” read part of the statement.
MaRODO further urged the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to have pro youth policies to enhance youth participation in elections as candidates.
“In the same vein, it would be beneficial for Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), as the governing body of elections, to develop or consider implementing pro-youth policies proposed by other organizations aimed at creating a more conducive political environment for young people.
“Such policies should be designed to address the issue of low youth representation within political parties, with measures put in place to encourage passionate and dedicated young individuals to actively participate in political processes.
“Some of the measures can be provision of robust leadership trainings and civic education, since most young people especially in the rural areas, lack knowledge about the importance of participation in governance processes in the country and how it affects the economy and the well-being of the country,” reads the statement.
The organisation has further advocated for the youth and political parties to uphold the values of peace and national unity as we are already in the election period.
“Elections can cause tension and division in the country, which can lead to violence and unrest. Our country, Zimbabwe has a history of election violence, which has resulted in loss of life, destruction of property, and ultimately an erosion of the democracy that Zimbabweans fought for.
“Consequently, as young people, we must play a vital role in promoting peace and unity during the pre-election, election, and post-election period. We urge all political party leaders and supporters to uphold the values of peace and unity, as it is in the best interest of our country,” reads the statement.
Recently a number of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) urged ZEC to reduce the candidate nomination fees and pleaded for youth, gender disability sensitive fees to advance inclusive representation in public offices.
