As we reported earlier - the poll results from SPEAR indicate that about 25% of voters are undecided. They are called swing voters and as indecisive as they are - they may very well decide the election. It is believed that the majority of those undecided voters are young first time voters. They are votes the PUP know they'll need if they are to win a third term and the party is actively pursuing the youth vote. How aggressively? Well if the promise of free laptops wasn't enough - this afternoon the party launch a youth policy - at its headquarters and live on radio and television stations countrywide.
Rt. Hon. Said Musa,
"Whenever I hold your hand or whenever I kiss you I feel that energy, that energy that renews me. And that is why I am here today. I wasn't supposed to be here you know but I insisted I want to be here with the young people. I wanted to continue to touch the future."
Prime Minister Said Musa "touched" the future at the launch of his party's youth agenda. The party says it's not a manifesto - they call it a 'Youth Road Map to a Secure Future.' 12 key points -promises really - were presented by youths this afternoon.
- Our next PUP government will continue to place education as its number one priority will extend the primary school textbook program to secondary schools.
- Seek more investments in ICT, tourism and agriculture industry to create employment for our young people.
- Formulate a youth in business policy that will help facilitate an environment conducive for young entrepreneurs through provision of low interest loans training and incentives to businesses, especially small and medium enterprises owned and managed by young people.
- Target youth involved in gangs for reform opportunities from Youth for the Future's job placement program.
- Further develop recreational and sporting facilities/programs in every
town, village, and city to provide viable alternatives for at risk youth involved in substance abuse.
- Consult widely to provide a seat for youth for young people in the elected senate.
- Establish a simple land tenure mechanism geared for young people to access land titles and housing opportunities.
This afternoon president of the PUP's Youth Movement presented the agenda to party leader and Prime Minister Said Musa. Musa made it clear to the youths - gathered in the party headquarters at Independence Hall - that their votes will decide the next election.
Rt. Hon. Said Musa,
"We are calling you this afternoon to defend the revolution. Nothing less than that - we need to defend the peaceful, constructive revolution. I wanted to look you all straight in the face, right in your eyes and to charge you to defend this revolution. On February the 7th my friends we want you all to come out, help your party. Bring out your friends, your neighbors, everybody work hard on election day. Let us defend this revolution."
And for a future as Prime Minister - the old revolutionary Musa will need their votes of these new revolutionaries.
The Election and Boundaries Commission estimates that youths account for between 30% and 40% of registered voters.
