EMBs’ aspirations for inclusive
elections are reflected in SDG 16.7. “Ensure
responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels”. Youth, being underrepresented as
voters, candidates, and senior EMB staff, are missing the opportunity to
influence decision-making and advocate for stronger youth policies. It is
incumbent, therefore, on EMBs to work towards electoral processes that are more
inclusive of youth and to be proactive in encouraging increased youth
participation in decision-making at all levels.
This section provides some entry points for EMBs to
ensure that (a) youth engagement is mainstreamed throughout the electoral cycle and (b) that strategies and activities are driven by the needs expressed by young people and built upon consultative processes.
Mainstreaming youth engagement in EMBs involves
employing youth at all levels of an EMB’s organization, and throughout all
electoral processes, including voter registration, voting processes, and
post-electoral activities.
EMBs can view their engagement with
youth through the three lenses – that is, as beneficiaries, partners, and
leaders. This may represent a shift in the way an EMB currently engages with
and invests in youth; a shift from simply seeing youth as beneficiaries, to
also seeing them as partners and leaders. Such a shift will involve
partnerships and collaboration with, and leveraging in, other initiatives and
organizations to assist with program and project implementation.
