Press Statement on Elections and Constitution

On the 23rd of June, 2012, the NYDT consulted youths from Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South, drawn from its membership, political parties, youth movements, church organisations and youth focused civic society organisations on the non-negotiable demands that ought to be underlined for them to effectively participate in the upcoming referendum and elections. The youths stated that:

·         No elections should be held before a people driven and centred constitution is adopted and that constitution to be acceptable to them must have:

a)       Uncompromised inclusion of devolution of power as a part of the governance architecture

b)       Broad based bill of rights that safeguards the right to education, shelter, health and life

c)       Establishment of independent commissions which include, Human rights commission, Judiciary services commission, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, Media commission and more importantly a national youth commission, among other independent bodies.

d)       A shift in the majority age from 18 to 16 years and young people in that age must be allowed to vote and be voted for political office

On the conduct of free and fair elections, youths underlined that:

• ·         Mechanisms should be put in place by the government to ensure that citizens in general and youths in particular are guaranteed of safety and a peaceful environment before , during and after elections
• ·         The media should contribute to a level political playing field by allowing equal space for all political parties to share their manifestos
• ·         The police should act vigilantly and in a non- partisan manner to ensure security for all
• ·         ZEC should be independent in its conduct, structure and administration
• ·         Efforts should be made to ensure that the voter’s roll confines to the key pillars for a free and fair elections that is, legality, transparency, accessibility and above all is up to date.
• ·         Legislators should ensure that the legal framework for electoral process promotes effective participation of youths in all spheres.
• ·         Political parties should promote peaceful participation of all youths within their structures and their effective involvement in key decision making processes.

National Youth Development Trust (NYDT) is a youth-focused civil society organisation whose mission is to develop sustainable leadership qualities in young people for their effective contribution to education, the economy, politics, culture, health and agriculture to enhance the quality of their and the countries’ well being. The organisation works with young people from all political, economic and social divides. Its lifetime commitment is to influence young people through sustainable leadership and participatory governance skills towards effective contribution to national development.