26 identify leadership qualities and recognise them within their peers in order to ensure that those who have the qualities are nurtured and groomed to become peace-loving leaders of the future. In contradistinction, President Mugabe, in his address to the youth at the fourth Zanu PF National in July 2004 youth congress, gave the government’s stance on activities dealing with peace, and he went so far as to say that the youth will be held accountable if the party does not do well in the forthcoming elections. This was viewed by many as an incitement for the youth to engage in violence during the elections. It is clear that the government has sanctioned political violence as perpetrators have protection from the law, and incitement is coming from senior Zanu PF party officials31. Attempts to talk about peace are met with resistance: the comments given by the youth included “there is no need to discuss peace as it already exists”, “ is there a war going on, so why should we talk about peace?” The youth have said that this attitude is not constructive; as long as one group in society believes they are not living in a peaceful environment, there is a problem and it has to be resolved. It is evident that the youth do not see the benefits of being involved in political violence; those that were promised rewards during the previous elections are still waiting and have become disillusioned. The political leaders seem to be the only beneficiaries of the violence, as they vanish soon after the elections and return again when their terms of office comes to an end and they are seeking re-election. The youth stated that the upcoming elections should not be characterised with violence, but, as they pointed out, this is not likely, as the President has said this is an election against Tony Blair and it must be won at all costs. “It’s an anti-Blair election. We must win it and demonstrate that Zimbabwe shall never again be a colony”.32 The youth are aware that if they do not reclaim their power, they will again be used in election campaigning, and they do not want this. They listed the following as ways in which they can participate positively in politics: · · · · · · · · · · Advocate for constitutional change and support constitutional change agents (e.g. NCA); Lobby for police and army personnel to adhere to their constitutional duties; Network with other organisations that lobby for civil and political rights; Silent protests and peaceful boycotts for the State to respect and recognise peoples’ rights; Get information about constitutional freedoms; Be up to date with all that affects a persons as a citizen; Get in touch with NGO’s that teach about human rights and peace building; Removal of clauses allowing excessive executive Presidential powers; Civil education should be taught in schools; Refrain from violence and educate others on non-violence. In respect of socio-economic rights the youth raised the following as solutions to the problems currently being faced: · Priority be given to health, food, shelter, clean water, education and employment creation; 31 Here see Reeler, A.P (2003), The Perpetrators of Gross Human Rights Violations in Zimbabwe from February 2000 to March 2003, Paper presented to “Civil Society and Justice in Zimbabwe: A Symposium”, organised by the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, Themba Le Sizwe and the International Bar Association, Holiday Inn, Johannesburg, 11-13 August 2003. 32 Here see the Herald, 10 July 2004. Reporting on the President’s speech at the opening of the Fourth Zanu PF National Youth Congress. IDASA: Zimbabwe at the Cross-Roads: Views of Zimbabwean citizens on democracy and transitional justice.