We are cognisant of the fact that the youth have been greatly affected by the crisis in Zimbabwe which cannot be resolved through the current constitution, and we also acknowledge that the election of the next government must be based on the dictates of a new and people driven constitution.There is a need therefore to set a new political environment that respects electoral democracy as an important aspect of political transition. We deplore the continuous marginalisation of young people in the nation’s economic, social and political agenda as well as the lack of representation in the current processes. Years of bad governance, human rights abuses, discrimination, alienation, intimidation and political violence cannot silence us nor can they stop us from shaping our future and that of our children by fully participating in the current constitution-making process as this is the way to bring about new and genuine democratic dispensation in our country.As a way of making our voice heard distinctly and our concern addressed accordingly in the future, we demand that the following should be included and considered absolutely right in the new people-driven constitution:l Devolution of powers from central government to provinces to allow us and future generations to develop our provinces in line with the needs of our people,l Recognising minority groups and languages within the provinces they are situated through the provision of policies that preserve their way of life and culture,l Allowing easy access to national documents such as IDs, passports, driver’s licences and certificates among others,l The reduction of the president’s term from the current unlimited number of terms in office to a maximum of two five-year terms in order to allow younger and fresher minds the room and opportunity to serve their country and people.We also call for the opening of the media space to other players so as to:l Rid the country of our current polarisation in the media that has seen the public media being used as a propaganda tool by Zanu PF-aligned government officials and the private media.l Ensure a better informed and more participative citizenry.That no intimidation and violence is tolerated before or during the election period and at voting stations.
BWE reject the mysterious and exclusively drafted Kariba draft constitution as a basis for drafting the new supreme law.We are cognisant of the fact that the youth have been greatly affected by the crisis in Zimbabwe which cannot be resolved through the current constitution, and we also acknowledge that the election of the next government must be based on the dictates of a new and people driven constitution.There is a need therefore to set a new political environment that respects electoral democracy as an important aspect of political transition. We deplore the continuous marginalisation of young people in the nation’s economic, social and political agenda as well as the lack of representation in the current processes. Years of bad governance, human rights abuses, discrimination, alienation, intimidation and political violence cannot silence us nor can they stop us from shaping our future and that of our children by fully participating in the current constitution-making process as this is the way to bring about new and genuine democratic dispensation in our country.As a way of making our voice heard distinctly and our concern addressed accordingly in the future, we demand that the following should be included and considered absolutely right in the new people-driven constitution:l Devolution of powers from central government to provinces to allow us and future generations to develop our provinces in line with the needs of our people,l Recognising minority groups and languages within the provinces they are situated through the provision of policies that preserve their way of life and culture,l Allowing easy access to national documents such as IDs, passports, driver’s licences and certificates among others,l The reduction of the president’s term from the current unlimited number of terms in office to a maximum of two five-year terms in order to allow younger and fresher minds the room and opportunity to serve their country and people.We also call for the opening of the media space to other players so as to:l Rid the country of our current polarisation in the media that has seen the public media being used as a propaganda tool by Zanu PF-aligned government officials and the private media.l Ensure a better informed and more participative citizenry.That no intimidation and violence is tolerated before or during the election period and at voting stations.
Taurai Dick Nyarufuka,Harare.
