By Kelvin Kasiwulaya
Gweru, August 18, 2023 – Godfrey Giwa, an independent candidate running for the Gweru Urban Ward 18 council seat, has urged the city’s youths to exercise their democratic right and vote in the upcoming harmonized elections penciled for 23 August 2023.
Giwa’s call comes at a time when youth participation in electoral processes has been low in Zimbabwe.
According to the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN), 2018 Elections Report, the youth (aged 18-35) constitute 61% of the electorate in the country, however, they continue to be marginalized in the electoral cycle.
In an open Letter directed at Gweru youths especially those from ward 18 Giwa said young voters should vote for a Councillor who will be able to meet their developmental expectations.
Giwa’s letter reads as follows:
I know you have become passionate with exercising your right to vote since you attained 18 years of age.
I hope you will take this profound passion to the ballot box on the 23rd August.
You have to vote for a councillor who champions ideological ambivalence to meet you your expectations.
I am so proud of you and the amazing person you have become.l can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.
You are the voice of that future,so make sure you go out there and vote Godfrey Giwa,ward 18 CBD Gweru Urban now Independent Candidate.
Voting is a huge part processe of #Adulting and it start with your vote,YOUR VOTE.
Your vote is not lost when you vote for me, because l care for you.My footprints are still visible while l served you in council from 2018 up to date.
I am a sitting councillor since 2018 plebiscite and have championed youth empowerment projects through setting up home grown service industries, employment opportunities fairly to everyone, secondments of youths to various self sustainable skills and developmental projects workshops organised by NGOs operating in our areas impacting knowledge to mold you better future leaders.
As l continue carrying out my duties,2023-2028,l assure you that with the institutional memory that l shall have in my previous council projects and recommendations made in council for future projects,l hold the view that we together are going to start at a better advantage position in terms of good service delivery to ward 18 CBD Gweru urban.
Talk is cheap,Voting is Free!
Take it to the polls.