Youth participation in politics guarantees peace

YOUTH participation in electoral and governance processes can go a long way in ensuring inclusivity, co-existence and preservation of peace.

Worldwide, conflicts erupt, especially when certain sections of society feel neglected as far as development, resource allocation and general participation in matters of human development and national growth are concerned.

Young people are undoubtedly the most formidable demographic group that, if neglected particularly on issues of governance and democracy, can pose a threat to peace and stability of any nation.

The political and social terrain of any country’ is mostly supported by the youth who comprise at least 51% of the world’s population, while in Zimbabwe, they constitute 43,5% of the voting population.

The youth are traditionally active politically at secondary and tertiary education levels, but are often disillusioned with political leadership and political institutions and excluded from policy development.

As we are heading towards the 2023 elections, youth participation must be considered, as young people are more active and influential in both supporting or opposing any cause, they must be handled with respect and positivism so as to provide them with platforms to lead peace-building efforts.

Education that is linked to the whole economic circle needs to be prioritised in order to attract a number of young people to the electoral field, thus the youths also need to be recruited as electoral educators to educate their peers.

Usually, messages are created by older people or project personnel without the understanding of key needs of the youth and not translating well or appealing to the youth.

The road to 2023 harmonised elections shall witness interest by young people to participate in the electoral process, not only as supporters or voters, but contesters.

The rise of youth organisations and social movements over the past years has seen an interesting phenomenon in Zimbabwean politics, which was dominated by old and tired politicians, whose tactics have contributed to the current economic shambles. Tatenda Dariro