An article by Jussa Kudherezera.
Zimbabwe is gearing up for general elections expected to be held latest August 2023. It is in the public domain that elections are the biggest driver of polarization in the country. Elections are a known hard hat area which tend to bring out the worst in some of our people who are ready to violently drive their political agendas trampling on other citizens heads with absolute abandon if need be.
In 2022, there were a number of by elections across the country and during the run up to the elections multiple cases of violence were recorded including a fatality in Kwekwe. If by elections could be so violently contested, one wonders how a national plebiscite will fare when the stakes will be much higher creating a scenario where “the tallest will eat everything including that meant for the short ones on account of their height…kudyazvevapfupinekureba.
Section 155 (a) of the constitution clearly sets the basic standard of holding elections affirming that elections “must be peaceful, free and fair”, while subsection (d) further states that “ elections “should be free from violence and other electoral malpractices”. The element of being peaceful means that in the entirety of the electoral cycle, that is pre elections, election and post election period should always be peaceful. The electoral cycle is a five year cycle and it is required that peace must always prevail, free from all forms of violence and any forms of abuse. Any deviation thus becomes an affront to the objective of holding elections and a defeat for democracy.
Because we are on election mode which as has been alluded to earlier has always been characterised by violence, abuse, intolerance symbolized by loss of life, injuries, destruction of property, loss of security of the person and such other negative experiences, which have had a more effect on the youths (18-35) years who happen to constitute demographically up to 70% of the population of 15.1 million people. They are also the most economically active and any form of violence or abuse will have a significant effect on the performance of the nation economically or socially. Already, this has had a significant toll on the nation’s economy and social scene leading to the country getting labels such as “least unhappy country” and scoring very low on the human development index. An unhappy people are a danger to itself and we pray that Zimbabweans move out of this mode. It is doable through transformative actions and processes of social engineering.
It is in this light that MAYA calls for political maturity and restraint among citizens as we navigate through the silly election season. It will obviously be charged with many trying to push their preferred candidates or parties to win. Indeed, this is how elections should be, COMPETITIVE but not combative. Exercising political rights is a “right” as enshrined under section 67 of the constitution and should be encouraged among all the youths and all citizens. It is not a crime.
Election season should be an opportunity to celebrate our diversity through love, harmony and being each brother or sister’s keeper not beater. It is an opportunity for youths to use their energy on nation building and positive actions. Those who choose to campaign can also volunteer for the common good such as helping the needy, cleaning up the environment, planting trees and other civic duties such as fighting crime. Thus their campaign will not be hollow. Those who choose not to campaign should also be respected for their stance. Respect should be the guiding principle.
While the constitution and subsidiary regulatory frameworks exist to protect and promote peaceful existence, the buck stops with us as people to live and follow through the dictates of the constitution. Ubuntu further entrenches this through its “you are because I am” principle” which is a call for peace, love and unity. Those uncouth politicians or individuals who find pleasure in abusing the youths through giving then cheap beer, drugs and few coins should realize their game is up and there are no takers for their shenanigans. Say no to this abuse. Refuse.
From this reality, there is need to think of a nation we wish to build. Definitely, we cannot build a prosperous, peaceful and love filled society on the blood, tears and sorrows of fellow citizens. It is important to note that it is the youths on whom the coming generation will be built upon, thus as a nation we must start laying the building blocks of love, peace and respect among the youths now.
We call upon all relevant electoral stakeholders especially the Police and Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) to decisively deal with any incidents of violence or abuse openly and fairly without fear or favour and stamp out impunity. Political parties are expected to have internal systems inorder to create safe spaces for youths so that those youths who choose to participate are not subjected to abuse of any nature. 2023 has to be different because we can make the difference.
MAYA Towards Safe, inclusive, resilient and participatory communities