tawandamusarurwa
Richard Muponde
WITH Zimbabweans going to the polls on Wednesday, youth participation has been touted as one of the critical factors, as they constitute 67,7 percent of the population.
Many of them are first-time voters and are viewed as kingmakers in the election.
Political analysts believe that various youth empowerment programmes in mining, agriculture and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) stands the ruling party, ZANU PF, in good stead to canvass support from this key demographic.
Bulawayo-based veteran journalist Mr Methuseli Moyo opines that ZANU PF has worked hard to win over youths, as evidenced by the young candidates for the parliamentary and council elections.
“That is indicative of the profile of the composition of the party’s support base. Empowerment programmes are attractive to youths, especially mining, agriculture and informal trade issues.
“ZANU PF will be competitive in that segment of the voters. Overall, the polls look set to be competitive, but ZANU PF seems to be ahead in terms of the youth vote,” he said.
Political analyst Mr Colleen Mharadzano said: “Youths have never been given such attention by a political party in the living memory of our country’s thriving democracy like what ZANU PF has done.
“Political pundits have so often noted the critical role the youth vote is expected to play in deciding the voting pattern of the nation . . .“
In spite of the adverse impact of sanctions, he said, the ruling party has made huge strides in improving youths’ participation in economic activities.
“Thousands have gold claims and are involved in other numerous mining ventures. It is public knowledge that banks have dished out loans to support young entrepreneurs. The youth are now married to these lucrative economic ventures, hence it is time for ZANU PF to receive the political dividend,” he said.
Political analyst and executive director of Global Economics 2020 consultancy group Mr Naboth Paurosi Dzivaguru is, however, of a different view.
“First-time voters are up for grabs to any party,” he said.
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Online Reporter