adminTHE election fever that gripped the country over the past few months came to a crescendo yesterday when Zimbabweans from all walks of life cast their votes.
Zimbabweans elected their president, MPs and councillors. Based on the number of votes each party gets in every province, senators would be appointed through proportional representation.
Zanu-PF candidate, President Mugabe, the favourite to retain the presidency was being challenged by Zapu’s Dr Dumiso Dabengwa, MDC’s Professor Welshman Ncube and Mr Morgan Tsvangirai of MDC-T.Eight hundred and seventy one candidates sought election to the National Assembly, many of whom are the so-called Young Turks. Many young cadres were running on the Zanu-PF ticket as the revolutionary party forges ahead with efforts to, not only inject new blood in its ranks, but also into structures of governance –councils, the National Assembly and Senate. Youths constitute about 60 percent of the national population.
Zanu-PF has in the past been accused of sidelining the youths but this time around many youths contested on the party ticket in the harmonised elections.
Many of these youths won the primaries and in some cases they beat seasoned politicians. Some of the youths who were the party’s candidates in yesterday’s election are Cdes Joseph Tshuma (Pelandaba-Mpopoma), Mlungisi Moyo (Bulawayo Central), Christopher Gwatidzo (Gweru Urban), Dzingirai Zifungo (Mkoba), and Innocent Pedzisai (Chirumanzu).
The party has over the years groomed youths who now occupy powerful positions such as Cdes Saviour Kasukuwere, Patrick Zhuwawo and Anastancia Ndlovu.
The youngest aspiring MP in yesterday’s elections was Cde Acie Lumumba (25) who represented Zanu-PF in Hatfield constituency in Harare.
Cde Moyo (36) said:
“The party needs people who understand its policies. The party gives everyone a chance and it’s up to people to utilise that opportunity.
“As a Third World country, and also according to census preliminary results, the country has many youths and there is no party that can survive without the support of the youths.
“Politics is not an easy game. Youths need to have the courage and commitment so that they are able to share the platform with those who have been in the field.
“In our revolutionary party doors are always open and will always be open so what is needed is for youths to grab the availed opportunity.”
Cde Moyo holds a degree in statistics from the University of Zimbabwe and is doing a Masters degree in operations with Nust.
With results of yesterday’s elections expected to start trickling in as from today, the youths are optimistic of success so that Zanu-PF’s resolve to inject new blood within its ranks finds expression in Parliament, and possibly in Cabinet.
The country’s liberation struggle, Cde Moyo said, was fought by youths, so its important for them to participate in politics. Some of the people who fought during the struggle as young people are Cde Joice Mujuru and Oppah Muchinguri.
“There is no way the party cannot allow youths to participate in politics. In Zanu-PF these elections were open to both the old and young.
“What was required was for one to have a minimum of five years as a member of the party in order to qualify to contest the primaries.” said Cde Moyo.
He said the party was promoting participation of all age groups in its programmes and activities.
Cde Tshuma encouraged youths to respect elders and learn from them. He said youths should always aim higher in order to achieve their goals.
“Youths need to be groomed so that they contribute meaningful in Parliament. I rose through the ranks from cell, district up to the province and I have been groomed. I am ready to face the world and I am not a fluke because I worked hard to be where I am today.
“Just like school, you have to go through different stages of development as a politician.
“I am one of the revolutionary party’s youths that were allowed to contest these elections. It does not discriminate against anyone. What is important is for youths to have vision and set up goals for themselves.
“The party opens doors for everyone and its up to the youths to take advantage of this good policy,” said Cde Tshuma.
Cde Pedzisai urged youths to actively participate in politics saying there are no barriers.
Said Cde Pedzisai: “Zanu-PF is a party that address issues affecting citizens and one of the issues is the youth empowerment. It is not difficult for people to rise through the ranks and represent the party in elections such as these ones.
What is needed is a person who is loyal to the party and people as well. Leaders come from the people not party leaders hence if a person is loyal, people will vote for him to represent them in elections.”
Online Reporter