Young people have been urged to take voting seriously as it has the power to change things in the country.
Several young people have often indicated that they will not take part in elections as they will not change anything.
The view emanates from the fact that the current ruling party Zanu PF, has remained in power since 2000 when the MDC was formed.
Even in 2008, when the MDC then under the late Morgan Tsvangirai won, it still failed to assume power.
They were let down by a clause in the constitution that requires a winner to get at least 50% plus 1 vote, to assume power.
Some have also claimed that the ruling party uses state machinery to rig polls in its favour.
These claims have discouraged young people from taking an interest in the electoral processes.
However, speaking during a Twitter Spaces organised by Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET), which was focusing on youth participation in elections, Leopold Chakanyuka said voting can change things.
‘’As Zimbabweans, we have this belief that political participation is not going to change anything. I have heard this from young people.
‘’Even on Twitter if you follow some of the things that people write, they will be telling you that voting is a waste of time because the results are already there.
‘’It’s actually a lie, and we have tended to believe this lie as young people. We have believed a lie that electoral results are already there and are already known so participating in the political process is not going to change anything.
‘’In actual fact, it’s not true. If we start believing that we are the majority and can change things or make things happen we will start participating that is the first part,’’ he said.
Youths in positions should speak for others
Chakanyuka also called on young people that in positions of authority in political parties to speak on behalf of others.
He said they have a duty to ensure more young people are participating effectively.
‘’Young people in positions of authority should be able to speak on behalf of other young people so that they can get a parcel of the politics.
‘’They should be able to create opportunities so that we have more and more young people that are coming as a result of those young people who are there,’’ he said.-
