Young candidates call upon fellow agemates to vote in their favour

Providence Moyo

After successful nomination court process, young candidates are calling upon agemates to show belief in other young people by rallying behind them and voting for them in the 23 August election. 

This emerged during a weekly virtual discussion that was organised by Election Series 101.

 Zimbabwe African People’s Union( ZAPU) candidate who is running for parliament  in Lobengula-Magwegwe constituency, Nigel Ndlovu said young people in politics lack the support of agemates which frustrates efforts  aimed at increasing youth participation in leadership. 

“One of the challenges we face as young candidates is lack of support from other youths as they do not believe in other young people and their capacity to deliver their political campaign promises. As young people we must understand the daily struggles that we face and remain resolute as we stand a better chance of occupying these positions  to proffer solutions. It is unfortunate though that when you campaign to other youths, you turn into a laughing stock,” said Ndlovu.

Pashor Sibanda, a candidate for Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) contesting under Cowdray Park Constituency concurred with Ndlovu and  said this was one of the hindrances in trying to increase youth representation in Parliament. 

 “Youths participation in parliament will increase if youths understand their responsibilities to their respective areas. Youths need to know that by not physically voting they have indirectly voted for the status quo which does not advance the youth agenda, so we need to go out in numbers and support each other on the day so that we achieve increased representation in parliament and councils,” he said.

When asked what he intends to do for his constituency, Sibanda says plans to harness community engagement were afoot as he took a swipe at imposing projects on residents that are not in accordance with the law including set provisions by the Urban Council Act.

 “I want to push the Kasi (township) Economy where residents in Cowdray Park, which is the biggest suburb in Bulawayo, begin to trade amongst themselves and grow the economy and contribute to the city’s Gross Domestic Product. All major services must be within Cowdry Park enabling residents to access everything they need,” said Sibanda as highlighted that currently, a fund has been set up to assist vulnerable children such as orphans.

Ndlovu spoke about how politicians have been insincere in pushing the devolution agenda as they make promises during the campaign season only to remain mum about the issues during the entire 5-year period. As part of his campaign, he promised to push devolution which is a mainstay of his party. He said real and meaningful development had been stalled by government’s failure to implement devolution. 

 “What people tell me to do, i will do it. They will  tell me the kind of devolution they would want to see and I will go to parliament and represent their interests,” said Ndlovu.

Ndlovu added that he will do a door to door campaign. He bemoaned financial constraints as the major reason for his loss in the 2018 harmonised elections when he stood as an Independent candidate.

Youth representation has over the years been one of the major challenges in the country.  After the 2018 elections, Zimbabwe had only 2.85% youth representation in parliament which translates to 6 youths only under the age of 35 who managed to get into  Parliament. 

Zimbabwe is a youthful population with over 67% of the population under the age of 35.