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Time for action: Let us not be left out as mobile voter registration commences
Student Christian Movement of Zimbabwe (SCMZ)
May 02, 2013

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do i give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” John 14:27.

Although voter registration is an ongoing process in Zimbabwe, the Student Christian Movement of Zimbabwe (SCMZ) will not stop echoing that young people should register to vote and let their voice be heard not as just a choice, but as a responsibility. We receive with much joy and great anticipation the commencement of the mobile voter registration exercise which has been slotted for the 29th of April up to the 19th May 2013. The Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs has gone a step further to effect a raft of changes that would make the registration process easy and more accessible.

The right to vote has largely been over looked especially amongst the young people, who do not appreciate that living in a democracy entails the power to choose who runs your country and the privilege to hold those leaders accountable. As the nation gears for a historic election this year, it is high time young people take voting not only as a right but also as a great honour that cannot be swept away.

It is not a secret that Zimbabwe is coming from a history where the participation of young people has been entirely at the behest of the politicians who usually take advantage of their zeal and use them as machinery for violence. SCMZ will not hesitate to set a reminder that young people are a majority and should act accordingly in the upcoming elections. If the youths do not start voting in their large numbers, they sadly risk being under estimated, ignored, and their image will miserably stick to the popular belief of violence. Ironically, during his recent speech to a group of students President Robert Mugabe, despite the fact that he is the Zanu-PF presidential candidate in the coming elections, he said, “… our sun is setting, yours is just rising, do not allow it to set at 12.30 in the afternoon...”. Let us take this opportunity to prove wrong a history that is littered with tales of violence.

Voter registration is not just about participation, but it goes beyond to accord people their rightful chance to meaningfully exercise their voting rights peacefully. We call upon all young people to appreciate the privilege to be able to vote and make a difference in the coming elections, for the Bible says, “Let no man despise your youth but be an example in LOVE, SPIRIT, FAITH and in PURITY”, 1 Timothy 4:12

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