The YAT is A Non-Governmental Organisation that aims to create a platform for dialogue and debate on governance issues among the youth
The educational campaign, which took place at Overspill Shopping Centre, was engineered to encourage youths to register to vote in the upcoming referendum and elections.
Interviewed youths commended the initiative by YAT saying that lack of knowledge concerning the voter registration process was one of the reasons for their non-participation.
Some of the youths revealed that they lacked knowledge of the registration centers while others said that documents such as proof of residence, long birth certificates and national identity cards were preventing them from registering to vote.
“We only knew that we are in an election period but we did not know how to participate besides going to party rallies,” said youth, Judith Makota.
“I think it is important for youths to vote because we have a part to play in determining the future of the country,” said another youth, Hussein Jumbo.
Nicholas Masenda (25) said he had all the necessary documents required to register to vote but had not done so due to lack of knowledge.
“I did not know how and where to go and register to vote. I think there is need to disseminate more information on the issue of registration because there are a lot of people out there who still do not know how to go about it,” he said.
Who can vote?
The following are qualifications required in order to vote in the Referendum.
– You do not need to be a registered voter; you just need to be eligible to be registered as a voter.
– You must produce one of the following documents:
A Zimbabwe national identity document (metal or plastic)
A ‘waiting pass’ with a photograph of the holder (this is a document that serves as proof of registration for an ID until the official card is received)
A valid Zimbabwean passport
Post published in: News