Youth Participation in Zimbabwean Electoral Processes

Abstract

Youth participation in Zimbabwe’s national elections has generally been characterized by violence and apathy. This has been a noticeable trend particularly in the post 2000 era. This paper provides an analysis of youth participation in electoral process as it exists in Zimbabwe. The paper discusses the level of youths’ knowledge about political processes, the extent to which the youth in Zimbabwe are involved in the electoral processes and the challenges faced by youths in Zimbabwe during and after elections. The paper is based on a qualitative study done in Makokoba constituency located in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province. The study which is part of a growing body of research of youth and electoral participation was informed by the Rationale Choice Theory propounded by William Riker in 1962.