By Davis Laque
Was nice seeing ZEC officials visit our church this morning, speaking about the Register To Vote blitz program.
The officials who visited us, indeed, performed a sterling job in explaining why citizens should register to vote, as well as the requirements for the process. On a party level, it’s noteworthy, that CCC has actually been running a parallel voter education drive, to act as a feeder, to the blitz program. In light of ZEC’s itinerary, CCC structures have been mobilizing virgin voters to take advantage of the blitz, and register. Also, CCC has been running the #REAP_zw program, mainly spearheaded by the Ngadziore led CCC Youth Task Force.
The voter registration program has cascaded to many areas in the country, complementing the #Mugwazo program, mainly targeting the rural & semi-urban communities. From what I’ve been able to gather, particularly from social media, and my experience at church today, and that of other friends elsewhere, ZEC has done well to market the blitz program.
Equally, CCC is showing visibility on the ground, & on SM, running the same initiative.5. Unfortunately, these efforts are being shortchanged by the usual shenanigans. At some areas, the registration is painstakingly slowly, yet the blitz camp will move after 2 days tops. In some areas, the printers are allegedly running out of link while load shedding is doing its bit. I would however only be surprised if anyone thought this program would go smoothly, without the avoidable hiccups
There’s a logic to the madness.
But then it’s a price which of all us who are pro-change, should be willing to pay. The key thing is working around the shenanigans. Refreshingly, I’ve seen some solution oriented leadership from CCC, particularly in Kuwadzana, where Hon Hwende & his volunteers are providing food, to all those who’ve been in queues for long.
In Shona they say: “kusatenda huroyi”. Murikuita basa Mhofu, tinozvicherechedza.8. Much as it is important to share and expose all shenanigans, a balance is key.
Lets react with solutions. Would like to imagine that in their strategic meetings, CCC structures had already preempted some of these issues. As I always say, that’s the burden of leadership. I take this opportunity to challenge YOU, to take part in the 1+5 registration program. The idea is to say, each registered voter should target 5 virgin voters. Let’s spread the information on social media, on our WhatsApp statues. Let’s ring those we can, & challenge them.10. We need to all play our roles.
This shouldn’t be a headache for politicians only, or those seeking public office, without our participation.
When we do this, we risk electing a dangerous caliber of public representatives, who will not have any sense of accountability. While at it, let’s keep spreading the success stories, particularly commending the efforts of individuals & CCC officials toiling on the ground. This certainly fuels their resolve. Let’s also tag CCC handles regarding areas where more can be done, & spring them into action. This is a very decisive week & election. The change we seek, can only be a product of our investments.
Kana zvikaramba, God forbid, let it not be because something that could have been done, simply wasn’t.
Perhaps it’s also time to ignore those other distractions.
enkosi!
