How young people can participate in Elections

'By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.' Confucius

Confucius was an important writer, teacher, politician and philosopher in Ancient China. His teachings, on them used as the headline quote for this article is simple but very important. It summarises the discussion I would like to have with you. How you can participate in elections. I want us to focus on three ways, participating as a voter, an influencer and an observer.

Let us start with an overview of the election process. Elections in Zimbabwe are scheduled in five- year cycles and are harmonised. Harmonisation means that electing all representatives for different levels of Government happen in a single election. For instance, the 2018 election will give you a chance to choose your preferred President, members of Parliament and ward councillor. This means that all important decision makers who can affect your life in the next five years are elected at once.

You can participate in this important forthcoming election as a voter. For you to vote you need to do two things. First, you have to register to vote and this is done at the offices of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, for free and also without any need to look for any additional documentation except your ID. They will not ask you for your O Level results or the name of your girlfriend or boyfriend! After you register, you will be given a registration slip and it would be cool for you to show it around to your friends to prove to them you a responsible citizen.

You can participate as an influencer. This means you getting other young people to register as voters. Remember when you were at high school and how important it was to be called in front as assembly? In addition, remember the prestige that came with being captain of a school sports team? If you had this experience and you enjoyed it, being an influencer gives you the chance to live it again and let us see how many other young people you convince to register as voters. On the other hand, f you never experienced this chance, then here is a BIG opportunity for you to shine. The benefit of this one is that you self-appoint yourself and measurement is through the number of those you will encourage to register. There is your challenge!

Another way you can participate in the elections is to be an observer. The formal part of election observation requires training from organisations working on elections but do not panic. The first stage for you to be considered for training is your interest in the electoral process. The second stage is your basic knowledge. This mean that if you cultivate interest in elections and be curious enough to learn more about lections and how they work, you are on your path to be an election observer. I know you have seem those important looking people in reflector bibs written Election Observer? This time it can be you.

Remember the following points; You can participate in the elections as a voter, an influencer and an observer. For all this to happen go and register to vote at the nearest ZEC District offices. I also challenge you to influence 10 of your friends to register as voters and post it on social media. It's a cool thing to do!