9.1. Children by virtue of being human beings are protected by the constitutional provisions on the right to freedom of association and assembly. These rights are also provided for in terms of article of 8 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) which Zimbabwe has ratified, and which provides as follows :“Every child has the right to freedom of association and freedom of peaceful assembly, in conformity with the law.” 9.1.1 The Constitution of Zimbabwe provides in section 67 (3) that the right to vote is only given upon attaining the age of 18. There is no legislation however, that expressly provides for the lower age limit for children to join political parties. However, it would seem from the above provisions of the ACRWC that children have the right to assemble and associate, to belong to any association or to attend meetings and gatherings which could include political rallies even though but proper protection and safety measures have to be put in place for the sake of children. This is because it provides children with an opportunity to learn about the political process and prepare for political leadership. Preventing children from joining and attending political party rallies violates article 15 of the CRC which is similar to the above mentioned article of the ACRWC and also section 58 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. However, the CRC and the ACWRC do not provide for the specific ages of when children should be allowed to attend political rallies. It would be logical to ensure that primary school going children be kept away from political activities and in the event that they attend political rallies they should only do so in the presence of their parents and guardians. This is because their levels of appreciation of political levels will still be low. 9.1.2 The children however, have to freely and voluntarily participate without being compelled after proper guidance and advice to safeguard against manipulation of children by adult agencies who may use children to present their advocacy agendas or manipulate them to say what the adults want rather than present their own concerns thereby being denied the right to make their own decisions. Children must first of all be provided with information and an Page 9 of 17