After training and capacitating youth with voter registration, voter turnout and community mobilising information, CYDT launched the Tell A Friend campaign, a nonpartisan voter mobilization and civic education initiative for young voters in Umzingwane and Beitbridge.
The initiative that is part of the project called “Promoting positive & constructive youth participation in civic processes in Matabeleland South through capacity strengthening & awareness raising (PCOYP)” has so far helped encourage youths between the ages of 18-35 to effectively mobilize their peers to increase their participation in civic spaces.
Youths leaders went around their communities, educating their peers on voting rights and the importance of registering to vote. The campaign has amplified young people’s desire to be involved in the electoral processes.
Youths commended the initiative, saying it will help increase the involvement of youths and young women in political processes.
“On long term basis, this campaign will lead to the nomination of youth and young women candidates in higher-positions of the election administration. As it stands, young people are starting to understand their voting power. They know that they hold the majority population, hence if they all participate the results of the electoral processes will be a true reflection of their needs,” one youth said during the campaign in Beitbridge.
The youth went on to say that the time for young people to enjoy their right to vote and be elected had arrived as country was scheduled to hold by elections in March and the presidential elections next year.
Young people said the lack of youth candidates to participate in the much anticipated by elections was clear evidence that political parties still lack confidence in youths. They said some of them wanted to take part as independent candidates but they had no financial backing to campaign for the available posts.
Despite the existing laws and policies prohibiting citizens from being denied chance to register and vote on the basis of sex, language, religion and political association, the situation on the ground remains unfriendly for young women. One of the most affected people in terms of participating in electoral processes in Beitbridge and Umzingwane are women. Women participation in limited owing to several stereotypes about women that have made them to be reluctant to participate in electoral processes. Many women are bullied and discriminated on the basis of gender by largely patriarchal men who still follow repressive gender stereotypes and roles. The Tell A friend campaign has helped encourage young women to challenge these stereotypes by registering to vote.
So far, lack of IDs has impeded many youths willing to register to vote. Youths recommended the Registry Department to also embark on a National Identity Cards role out Blitz that is similar to the Voter Registration Blitz.
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