As Zimbabwe’s presidential election unfolds, the echoes of local Jamaican dancehall rhythms provide a compelling and symbolic soundtrack. This musical choice resonates with a vital demographic – those who were children when Robert Mugabe was deposed six years ago. These voters now find themselves the focal point of intense campaigning by candidates seeking their support, encapsulating the nation’s transformative journey.
While a dynamic campaign featuring pop icons and sports legends has ignited enthusiasm among numerous young voters, a generation accustomed to economic turmoil and soaring prices remains skeptical about the feasibility of substantial change.
Competing for the August 23rd ballot are the primary contenders: incumbent Emmerson Mnangagwa from the longstanding ZANU-PF party and Nelson Chamisa representing the emerging Citizens Coalition for Change. Mnangagwa, assuming leadership in 2017 following Mugabe’s ousting by the military, secured victory over Chamisa in 2018 with a narrow margin of 6%, translating to slightly above 300,000 votes.
Attaining victory necessitates a strategic focus on the demographic comprising three-quarters of Zimbabwe’s population – those under the age of 34. Equally pivotal are the first-time voters, constituting one-sixth of the registered electorate, who hold significant sway in shaping the outcome.
Political parties are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to garner support from this demographic, employing tactics such as sharing social media videos featuring popular musicians and presenting youthful candidates for parliamentary and council elections.
The majority of campaign rallies resonate with the local interpretation of Jamaican dancehall music, a genre immensely favored by the younger population. Notably, last month, former world boxing champion Floyd Mayweather participated in a ZANU-PF political campaign gathering.