Youths should participate in all upcoming elections

YOUTH Decide Zimbabwe has noted the proclamation of the delayed and much waited by-elections date by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The most important feature of a democratic society like Zimbabwe is the conduct of free, fair, credible and timeous elections.

Before anything else, we reprove slow pace to fill parliamentary and local council seats that have vacant since the year 2020.

The postponement of by-elections was a successful repression of the constitutional rights of the citizens.

We implore the responsible authorities to always act within the confines of the Constitution.

As a youth-led and non-partisan organisation which aims to address, support and promote youth participation and inclusion in all economic and sociopolitical spheres, through a liberal and multifaceted approach, we fervently encourage the youth to participate in the forthcoming by-elections.

We strongly believe that voting is a civic right and responsibility for which the youth must be providing guidance and direction as well as determining and protecting the outcomes.

The youth must use elections as a potent weapon to fight corruption, nepotism and authoritarian consolidation of power under all and any circumstances.

As March 26 gets closer, we beseech all stakeholders, State agencies, members and leaders of different political parties, the civic society and special groups to be tolerant, respect the Constitution and preserve the dignity of our multi-party society.

We encourage the youth and the generality of citizens across the nation to boldly reject and renounce ancient politics which was characterised by violence, hate, blame game and sloganeering.

It’s high time for us as the youth to strategically position ourselves as agents of national development and transformation.

Most of all, we implore the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) to prove that it is an independent institution as enshrined in the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

In Zimbabwe, it is on record that after each election, other parties usually reject and dismiss the election results citing either inappropriate conduct or rigging.

It’s important for Zec and all State institutions to take steps towards correction of the systems and processes so as to depart from the past.

As young people, we call for immediate, broad-based and progressive electoral reforms.

Youth Decide Zimbabwe