YOUTH POLITICAL PARTICIPATION: A MISSED OPPORTUNITY IN ZIMBABWE’S DEMOCRACY
Political participation of youth remains a pivotal issue on the global stage, yet in developing nations like Zimbabwe, formal empowerment and inclusion in decision-making processes seem like distant realities. Despite being constitutionally entitled to engage politically, including voting and debating policy issues publicly, youths in Zimbabwe find themselves marginalized and excluded, a stark contrast to the promise of democracy.
Historically, the marginalization of youth has inadvertently amplified their role as agents of social disorder. In Zimbabwe, informal political participation, characterized by political violence, has become intertwined with the political process. This violence is particularly pronounced in urban areas, where young people, excluded from work, education, and mainstream politics by political elites, resort to violence as an expression of their disillusionment with the promised democratic rule.
In an intriguing twist, rural-based youths in Zimbabwe participate more actively in formal political processes, especially voting, with their participation estimated to exceed 35%. This is in stark contrast to their urban counterparts, whose participation hovers below 20%. This disparity raises critical questions about the motivations behind rural youths’ voting behavior, whether driven by genuine will, material incentives, or coercion.
The manipulation of needs and services by Zanu PF politicians, who withhold essential resources only to offer them in exchange for votes, highlights a stark exploitation of poverty-stricken urban populations. Urban youths, with their heightened political consciousness and literacy, are increasingly able to distinguish between failing governance and competent leadership. Meanwhile, in rural areas, low levels of political literacy and limited exposure to news and information contribute to a less informed electorate.
The role of chiefs and headmen in mobilizing votes for Zanu PF in rural areas underscores the intertwined nature of patronage politics and authoritarianism in Zimbabwe. Despite the expectation of political impartiality, local leaders often find themselves compelled to support the hand that feeds them. This practice undermines the electorate’s ability to vote freely, fostering a politically apathetic society that unwittingly supports corrupt and incompetent leadership.
The exploitation of rural populations by Zanu PF, utilizing tactics reminiscent of colonial manipulation, underscores a profound disconnect between political rhetoric and action. The rural electorate, swayed by the superficial promises of politicians, lacks the capacity to critically evaluate leadership and understand the significance of their voting rights in the 21st century.
The foundation of democracy rests on the pillars of political literacy, which empowers individuals to make informed decisions and fosters a healthy political society where democratic participation ensures transparency and accountability in government. The stark reality in Zimbabwe, particularly among rural youths, highlights the urgent need for enhanced political education. This education is essential to break the cycle of exploitation and empower young voters to recognize the true value of their electoral choices.
As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with these challenges, the plight of its youth underscores a significant missed opportunity in realizing the full potential of its democracy. Engaging and educating the youth not only in urban but also in rural areas, is critical in cultivating a politically literate society that can champion the cause of democratic governance and accountability. Only then can Zimbabwe hope to harness the full potential of its youth in shaping a more inclusive, transparent, and equitable political landscape.
The normalization of political violence as a form of informal political participation for disenfranchised urban youths underscores the need for political reforms that address the root causes of violence and exclusion. Promoting peaceful and constructive avenues for political expression is essential for a healthy democracy.
Strengthen the independence and capacity of electoral institutions to conduct free and fair elections. Protecting the integrity of the electoral process is fundamental to restoring faith in democracy and encouraging greater youth participation and utilize digital and social media platforms to reach out to the youth demographic, providing accessible information on voting procedures, rights, and how to engage in political discourse responsibly.
The stark contrast in political participation rates between rural and urban youths raises concerns about the equity and effectiveness of voter outreach and education programs. Targeted efforts are needed to bridge this divide, ensuring all youths have equal opportunities to engage in the political process.
The exploitation of both rural and urban populations, particularly through the manipulation of resources and information by political elites, calls for greater transparency and accountability in governance. Strengthening mechanisms to prevent the use of state resources for political gain is crucial.