GWANDA – THE introduction of a youth quota system in Parliament has come in for
praise from organisations representing the demographic grouping.
The organisations have applauded the Government’s efforts at promoting youth
participation in politics by introducing the youth quota saying that this is a positive
development that encourages youths to be involved in politics actively.
Prior to this development the majority of Zimbabwean youths used to shun politics
arguing that, on the available evidence, politics was a game for older people.
However, the constitutional amendment that introduced a 30 percent women’s quota
in local authorities and 10 seats for youths in the National Assembly appears to have
changed views of youths on participation in politics.
The women’s quota included women, who were eligible to be elected as councillors,
while the youths are defined as those aged between 18 and 35 years.
In an interview, the director of Community Youth Development Trust (CYDT),
Sichasisiwe Ndlovu, expressed happiness over youth participation during the just-
ended polls.
“To be honest, despite all the efforts made by CYDT both at local and national level,
we did not expect much especially on national assembly considering the exorbitant
charges that were introduced.
“This was a shot in the arm for youths who had shown interest to rise up the
leadership ladder.
“However, as an organisation we also noted a significant change of attitude and
practice by the Government in as far as promoting youth political participation. The
introduction of a youth quota is a step in the right direction and we applaud the
leadership for that,” said Ndlovu.
Youths constitute more than 60 percent of the country’s eligible voters and the
country’s population, meaning that they are a significant number that can come up
with leadership ideas since the majority of that percentage is educated.
Ndlovu added: “However, we will continue to push for a 25 percent youth
representation in Parliament, meaning the engagement on youth quota will continue
until we have a provision in the constitution, which mandates a 25 percent youth
quota.
“The 2023 polls recorded an increase in the number of youths who participated in
local government elections nationwide, proving that youths are now forthcoming and
showing interest in such spaces.
“We also believe that the steps made by the government, motivated youths to take
agency.
”As much as we appreciate the Government by introducing measures that allow for
effective and sound youth participation such as the 30 percent women and youth
quota at local government, political parties did not field any for youths but fielded
women only. It is then an area of concern as to why they did not submit youth quota
lists,” she said.
Constitutional Amendment Number 2 of 2021 has other provisions that political
parties contesting in local authorities elections may submit nomination papers
containing the names of women as party list candidates nominated by such parties
for every local authority in which it intends to field candidates for direct elections as a
councillors.
