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Role of youth in Zimbabwean politics
John Vincent Chikwari
July 04, 2012

Democracy is the buzz word for our political system. But is it really so? Is it democracy that a nation where a majority of population is below 40 elects a majority of people above 60 to power? Are we really satisfied with the way our country is being governed? Should it not bother us that at the age people generally take retirement and rest, our politicians actually become eligible to be at the helm of affairs? Why is it so that people below 50 years are considered as political 'kids-?

The youth in Zimbabwe have been at the forefront of political change since pre-colonial times. In the tumultuous post independence period, more youth kill, and were killed too. They were both the perpetrators of political violence and the victims of it. Why?

It was hoped that the birth of Zimbabwe in 1981 and the formation of GNU would herald a new era of peaceful youth participation. It was not to be. Political violence during elections has been significant since the first elections from independence in 1981. Youth have been invariably used as executors of violence, targeting other youth. The youth can be blamed for violence, but as one landmark electoral case showed, it is sometimes the very old politicians who refuse to quit. That commands youth violence targeting other youth.

The country desperately needs some young leaders who personify energy, enthusiasm, morality, and diligence. No doubt we have never progressed a lot in the last 32 years but the development pace would have been completely different had some young torchbearers led this process of development.

There can be two reasons for this deplorable scene of Zimbabwean politics. One may be that the youth today are not interested in actively participating in the political field. They are content with what they are doing and how the country is being governed. But this reason seems to hold no ground seeing the discontent shown by the youngsters towards cases like reservation, Tonderai Ndira, Tandare murder case etc. The youth of modern Zimbabwe are aware of the problems facing our country and the world at large. Given a chance they would be ready to change the political condition of the country for better.

Second reason may be that young people are not given opportunities to prove themselves claiming that they are not equipped with experience to participate actively in the governance of the country. This reason seems to be more logical seeing the monopoly of old leaders in almost all the major political parties of the country and Africa at large. Old people should realize that proper development can take place only when they make way for younger people to take control of the activities.

There are few things which need to be clarified. One that youngsters do not mean people who are 20 years old with no experience at all. Youth in this context is meant to refer people in their 30-s or early 40-s with a good mix of energy and experience. Two, it is not intended to mean that old people should leave the political scene and rest. What is wanted is that they should be there but for guidance because they are treasures of invaluable experience.

There are a few things which I would like to suggest. There should be a retirement age for politicians as well which may be around 65 years. There should also be some educational qualification for politicians. How can we give those illiterates the key to our country whom we cannot give the key to our house? People with serious criminal background should not be allowed to contest elections.

As for the youth of our country, they can contribute in more ways than just contesting elections. Much can be done in areas like educating people, raising awareness about various social ills, and many other areas.

In light of these grim circumstances, it is not difficult to forecast a reduced participation of normal youth in the political process especially in the forthcoming elections, for fear of their security. At this moment, it is important for positive-thinking youth to embark on a massive campaign against electoral violence and draw attention of the world to this scourge that threatens Zimbabwe's sovereignty and stability as an independent democratic nation
We can just wish that the next time we go to vote we find more names of youngsters who can make our country a better place to live in.

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