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Lifestyle Writers
They say ‘Everything is harder the first time, even voting, but is that so?’
Some say it’s easy to think that your vote doesn’t matter. After all, what difference can one vote make? Yes, it matters in a world of one man one vote.
But the truth is that every vote matters — and when it comes to voting, every single vote does count.
Voting is one of the most critical rights as citizens, and it’s crucial to have your voices heard.
Matter of fact, voting is your right and privilege. It allows you to make your voices heard and your opinions known.
It’s important to vote in every election, even if you don’t think your vote will make a difference.
As vote counting and collection of results is progressing, at the just-ended Zimbabwe election, first-time voters have shared their experience, commended the peaceful environment, and are now looking forward to the fulfilment of campaigning promises from their representatives, if they win the race.
Across the Mashonaland East Province, youths and women constituted a larger number of those who cast their vote.
The Herald on Saturday Lifestyle spoke to youths and first-time voters who shared their experiences.
Wonderful Majera (23) from the Rujeko suburb in Marondera said it was good to exercise his democratic right.
“I voted for the first time. The environment was peaceful and calm and I am proud to have voted for the first time. As a youth we expect our concerns to be addressed by those we choose to represent us,” he said.
Jane Jonathan (22) from Cherima said the feeling of voting for the first time is good.
“It is my democratic right to vote and it is important to choose those who will represent us. I thought casting a vote was hard, I was even nervous while waiting patiently in the queue for my opportunity. But when I was alone in the room, I relaxed, and in no time I had finished. “I am glad that all went on well without any violence recorded or experienced in Marondera.
We pray that this calmness remains forever, and we commend the Government for putting measures to ensure peace prevails, not only in Marondera but across the country,” said Jonathan.
Another first-time voter, Vimbayi Mazorodze (22) from Dombotombo said she is happy that she cast her vote in peace, without being forced.
“I voted peacefully and that makes me happy as a youth. I expect to see service delivery being improved and opportunities for our youths. So to those who will win, we appeal that our concerns as youths be heard.
“I am thankful as a youth that all the voting process was done peacefully and I look forward for this peace to continue. I also call upon other youths who did not vote this time around to register to vote next time because it is their right to do so.”
For Aaron Mudzingwa from Chegutu West’s Ward 3, Wednesday’s voting experience goes down memory lane.
It was his first time and he enjoyed the process which he described as smooth and flawless.
“The process was just smooth and fast. I first checked my name and from there got inside where the officials were very helpful. It was the best experience ever,” he said after casting his vote at Springs Primary School.
The youthful voter failed to cast his vote last general elections after discouragement from other people, said Zimbabwe’s electoral system was democratic.
Another first-time youthful voter from Karoi’s Ward 3, told this publication after voting at Chikangwe Community Hall in Hurungwe Central constituency that he was happy to have exercised his democratic right.
He was the second person to cast his vote at the polling station that is at the hearty of Karoi’s oldest high-density suburb, Chikangwe.
19-year-old Vanessa Hwaire of Denga village in Chivi North constituency voted for the first time this year.
She says she was very happy to have come of age and cast her vote for the first time to have a say in the political direction of her constituency and the nation in general.
“I have been waiting for this moment (to vote) and I am happy that I finally managed to partake in voting because it’s important for me to also have a say in how my country is governed,” she said.
From Chiwara, Gutu South, Ward 23, 19-year-old Blessing Makwinye said he had been waiting for the moment to cast his vote for the first time.
“I was waiting for this moment because it marks my transformation from a boy into a citizen who has a say in the governance of his own country.
As youths, we have many burning issues that we want to be addressed like jobs and I am happy to be able to vote because I can also vote for fellow young people. After all, we share the same concerns,” he said.
Also, there was a high number of first-time voters in both Mberengwa and Zvishavane constituencies with statistics by presiding officers showing that the new age group voters were those between 19 and 23 years.
Tariro Badza (19) of Mapanzure area in Zvishavane said she felt compelled to vote after she got encouragement to register to vote from her classmates at Mapazuli Secondary.
“I remember we registered to vote as a group and I was looking forward to this day. I was very excited to cast my vote and participate for the first time in deciding who should lead us,” she said.
Another first-time voter, Brighton Moyo(21) from Mberengwa Central said he was happy that he participated in national politics through his vote.
“I was particularly interested in voting for a President to lead our country and the presiding officer who attended to me was shocked when I told her that I only wanted a Presidential ballot,” I only voted for the President,” he said.
Online Reporter