Youth participation in Zimbabwe's electoral processes post-2008: Challenges and prospects for peacebuilding

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article discusses how the youth participate in electoral processes in contemporary Zimbabwe and the concomitant implications for peacebuilding. It is based on the case study of Harare covering the post-2008 period and data drawn from both primary and secondary sources. Employing the postmaterialist theory, the article argues that though destructive tendencies remained, Zimbabwean youth have mainly participated in electoral processes in beneficial ways with far-reaching implications for peace post-2008. The study found that the youth participated in electoral processes through campaigning for peaceful elections, voting, electioneering for their political parties and contesting as candidates. It asserts that youth participation in electoral processes in Zimbabwe scored some successes such as an improvement in the number of youth voters and having youth candidates resulting in some becoming legislators. The youth also faced several challenges hindering them from fruitfully participating in electoral processes. This included marginalisation, lack of resources, and a restrictive and harsh political environment. The article concludes that the youth have the potential to peacefully and significantly participate in electoral processes provided they are able to overcome the challenges they are currently facing.