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.