MAKING MY VOICE COUNT

I wrote this article when I was only 19 years old for some essay competition, and I reproduce it today.

YETT ESSAY COMPETITION 2012

The United Nations Human Rights Commission clearly states the freedom of expression as one of the main and fundamental rights of children. Such a legally binding document declaring such freedoms for the child suggest the immense importance of expression. Voting, as a form of expression is the most significant way of declaring such.

Many a times, youths and teenagers alike have the perception or rather, misconception that casting a ballot smacks of dirty politics, not forgetting the phobia of presumed after effects such as violence, instability and insecurity. Contrary to such belief, voting is an expression of our confidence in a candidate`s ability and capability. It is a bold declaration of our inner feelings on the direction we want to take. In summary, casting of the ballot therefore becomes a single but sure step in, presumably, the right direction.

Due to the impatient nature of youths today we always expect changes over night and when we do not see them, we show our disappointment by taking the back seat. This only signifies someone else on the driving wheel and whatever direction they take, we unwillingly follow. A random survey of many youths shows that 70% do not want to be involved in politics. However such a platform created seeks to disillusion and enlighten these youths on the fact that we can never run away from politics. The food we eat, the schools we attend, the houses we have and even those other freedoms we have, are greatly influenced by politics. In actual fact, our lives are politics. We are what we are because of politics. Imagine a scenario where an MP or President, voted into office, bans education or declares bread illegal in a country. Would that not have affected the lives of the so called politically disengaged youths? As a friendly reminder my peers it is not the process of voting that is referred to as politics but rather  the act of influencing the people to vote for a certain person or party. I think it is high time we break out of our imagined safe shells and think outside the box. There is need for those blinkers we are putting on to be removed so that we see far and wide.

From grassroots level where we vote for councilors up to the president we can only make our voices count by having our votes counted. From a single tap spills a thousand gallons of water and so, that single drop will lead to the formation of an ocean, without which it wouldn`t be so called.

For me, taking such a platform to highlight the importance of voting is not propaganda but rather, conscientisation. I stand for no man lest I fall into the dark pit of oblivion, but I stand for the ideology that represent most youth of today. Casting of the ballot is an act of trying to address every spectrum of our lives which include education, employment and safety. Let me hasten to say I cant be able to and must not, tell you where to place that precious X, but my duty is to make sure you make the most out of that simple but sophisticated act of casting your vote. As the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) rightfully says, your vote is your right. No one can be able to take it away from you, not even in exchange for a bowl of soup. Violence, my brothers and sisters, is just but a state of mind which no normal man can and must reach.

So, dear youth, desist from such acts and vote for a better place. As Dambudzo Marechera once wrote, “the past is a ghost, the future is a dream, all we have now” I rest my case  

Valentine Tafadzwa Masaiti, 19 years Marondera