Participation in formal political and electoral processes and structures includes:
Participation of young people in formal political and electoral processes is relatively low compared to older citizens across the globe. Voting, one of the most important formal avenues for political participation, is a clear example. Data on voter turnout from various countries suggest that young voters tend to participate less in polls compared to older citizens. Similar evidence is available for membership and leadership positions in political parties and parliaments.[i] Non-state governance mechanisms, such as tribal leadership, are typically based on seniority or lineage, and tend not to encourage youth involvement.
[i] See Andrew Ellis, “Tuning in to Democracy: Challenges of Young People’s Participation,” (Paper presented at the panel on Participation, Global Electoral Organizations Conference, Washington DC, March 27, 2007), http://aceproject.org/ero-en/topics/other/challenges%20of%20Young%20; Silvia Golombek, “What Works in Youth Participation: Case Studies from Around the World,” (International Youth Foundation, 2002), http://www.iyfnet.org/sites/default/files/WW_Youth_Participation.pdf; Mary Pat MacKinnon, Sonia Pitre and Judy Watling, “Lost in Translation—(Mis)understanding Youth Engagement—Synthesis Report,” CPRN Research Report, (CPRN, 2007), www.cprn.org; Kyung-Keun Kang, “Educating the Youth for Political Participation and Sustainable Democracy,” (Civic Education Institute for Democracy of the National Election Commission, Republic of Korea, 2002), http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/dj/korea.pdf; UNDP Cambodia, “Multimedia Youth Civic Education Campaign 2011–2013: Concept Note,” (UNDP Cambodia, September, 2011).
