Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ In the lead-up to a national election in Zimbabwe, a prevailing sentiment among the country’s young population is a strong yearning for “transformation”. This sentiment is particularly pronounced in the bustling streets of Harare, the capital city, where the quest for change is palpable. As the election draws near, questions about the agents of change and the likelihood of it occurring remain complex and often conflicting.
The desire for change is closely tied to the economic challenges that Zimbabwe faces, especially its staggering unemployment rate, which is estimated at around 70 percent in the formal sector. This is a major concern for the country’s youthful demographic, with approximately two-thirds of Zimbabweans being under the age of 25. Many of them will be casting their votes for the first time on August 23.
However, openly expressing support for change and the opposition party, led by Nelson Chamisa, comes with its risks due to the ruling ZANU-PF party’s intolerance of dissent. The party, which has held power since the nation’s independence in 1980, has faced allegations of resorting to force and intimidation to secure favorable outcomes in previous elections.
While the talk of change is often linked to support for the opposition, not all young Zimbabweans feel comfortable articulating this sentiment. The ruling party’s long-standing dominance might ironically work against it in the eyes of these voters. Analysts suggest that the youth are weary of being governed by an older generation and are eager for fresh, energetic leadership.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is seeking re-election, has also promised change since taking office in 2017 after a military-led coup. The population’s opinions about his ability to fulfill this promise vary widely. Mnangagwa, aged 80, represents the older generation that many young people are hoping to move away from, but some still believe he holds the potential to bring about the change the country desperately needs.
Both major political parties, ZANU-PF and the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), are fielding younger candidates for various elections, aiming to attract the youth vote. Yet, amid concerns about potential election rigging, some young Zimbabweans are skeptical that their votes will ultimately make a difference. This sense of skepticism stems from a belief that the outcome is already predetermined.
As Zimbabwe stands on the precipice of this significant election, the yearning for change resonates deeply among its young citizens, shaping their perspectives on the nation’s future.
