“We have travelled this long, painful road of fighting for democracy for far too long and it is time for us to shape our country’s destiny,” said 28-year-old Meluleki Moyo, a first-time voter. He advised his peers to go home and vote for change.
“My advice to fellow Zimbabweans is that whenever someone tells you to go home and register, heed the call, regardless of which political party they belong to.”
Veteran political activist, Mlungisi Madabudabu Tshabalala (32), said he registered to vote long ago and every time he visits Zimbabwe, he checks whether his name is still on the voters’ role.
“Obviously, Zanu (PF) blocked the Diaspora vote because it knew that most people who live outside the country stand against its failed rule, but sitting back in protest will not help us,” said Tshabalala. “This is our time and as the exiles, we should register and make sure that when the day comes, we all go home and vote.”
Another first-time voter, Bongani Ncube, said he would cast his ballot for devolution of power.
“They say your vote is your secret, but for me, if Zapu and the MDC led by Ncube fail to come together as parties that openly fought for devolution of power, then I will go with the MDC-Ncube because so far, it has been the most impressive party,” he said.
Charlie Nxumalo (23), who is also already a registered voter, said he would participate in the polls, but only if there was no violence in the preceding period.
“Should there be peace in the run-up to the election, I will definitely go home and vote for a party that will bring true democracy to the country,” he said.
Post published in: Africa News