Alison Darikai, leader of the splinter faction of Upfumi Kuvadiki, an indigenous economic empowerment group seen to be aligned to Zanu (PF), said they were in full support of peaceful elections.
“We say a big NO to violence at elections because elections are a civilized way of determining leadership of a country. I see no reason as to why youths should be used to fight for political supremacy,” said Darikai. “We are advocating for a deliberate strategy that will enable youths to take center stage in the upcoming elections in both council and parliamentary elections.”
MDC-T’s youth National Secretary for Information, Clifford Hlatshwayo, said youths needed peaceful elections.
“We will preach and practice peace all the way,” he said, adding that those who used violence against their opponents lived in the past.
He said as youths they would aim to take 25 percent of parliamentary seats countrywide, which included council wards.
Hlatshwayo conceded that there were youths who were active in politics but not registered voters.
“We urge all youths countrywide to register to vote and we shall mobilize each other to go and vote in next year’s polls for a leader who shall respect our rights,” said Hlatshwayo.
Jimu Kunaka, the Zanu (PF) Harare Province Youth Chairman, said his party’s youths were going to be visible in elections next year.
“We are a democratic party and have many opportunities for the youths,” said Kunaka.
Rindai Chipfunde-Vava, Director of the Zimbabwe Elections Support Network. said her organisation was lobbying for the relaxation of voting laws.
“ZESN has continually lobbied for relaxation of proof of residence and amendment of the Citizen Act, which will ensure that those without the requisite proof in the form of a utility bill (electricity or water) will be able to register to vote,” said Vava.
She said amendment of the Citizen Act, will ensure that those called “aliens” and people disenfranchised because they are not citizens will be able to register to vote.
Post published in: News