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The National Electoral Reform Agenda (NERA) brings to the attention of people the adage that once beaten once twice shy. NERA says this is a call for Zimbabweans to take lessons from the just-ended elections.
“It is not social media vibrancy that gives out positive results. It is all about hardworking in its diversity. In Zimbabwe, the 2018 elections were peaceful. They were not fair and free and neither were they credible in the naked eyes of democrats.
“The Zambians mastered and mapped out strategies which I believe are:
– Massive voter registration, mainly first-time voters and the youth;
– Commitment to go and cast a ballot by every citizen eligible to vote; and
– Defend and protection of vote by the youth,” said NERA Executive Chairman Eng. Mugari Joelson.
He said Zimbabwean citizens have very bad tendencies of leaving everything for politicians. In that regard, NERA is advocating for citizens on how to protect their vote.
“Everyone must go and vote. The first and most important step is the voter registration process. Political parties are taking a back seat in their push for electoral reforms. Citizens are not interested in any further disputed election results,” Mugari said.
He called for all civic societies, churches, political parties and labour to vehemently drive the voter registration campaign since the current pace at which voter registration exercise is going is disappointing.
“What has happened in Zambia is a paradigm shift of SADC political inclination. it is a real clear showcase of possibilities of change in any country,” Eng. Mugari said.
He reminded the rural people that traditional leaders are guided by the Constitution, especially Article 281 on Principles to be observed by traditional leaders in sections 1a,b,c and 2a, b & c. He encouraged stakeholders to educate to preach about these sections day in and day out.
