Young men and women participate in
political processes in multiple ways. However, the representation of young
people in formal political processes remains limited. Participation of all
citizens in formal political processes is important for democracy; furthermore,
young people themselves are calling for better integration into these
processes. A consensus is emerging that increasing the participation of young
people has both instrumental and intrinsic value for both the young men and
women themselves and for the wider society.
EMBs and other electoral stakeholders
have a crucial role in encouraging and providing a safe environment for the
participation of young people in representative political processes, and also
in wider policy and political processes that directly impact young people’s
lives.
Increasing the participation of youth
requires EMBs and other electoral stakeholders to understand the obstacles that
hinder youth participation in formal political processes. It also requires them
to challenge persistent negative assumptions about young people and appreciate
the active roles young men and women are already playing, particularly in
regard to addressing different forms of violence.
