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.