Involving young people in electoral observation is an
effective way for EMBs to increase youth engagement and build youth
capabilities in the electoral process. In addition, there are clear benefits
for EMBs in employing youth observers:
- Many young people have the necessary
technical skills and feel comfortable using new technology to monitor electoral
processes
- Young people are well-placed to pay
extra attention to the participation of young people during elections. This
means they can provide invaluable support in collecting age-disaggregated
information and reporting on youth-specific challenges
- Youth observers are likely to have
useful influence in convincing other young people to vote, thereby having a
positive impact on that age group’s turnout
- Young people are not typically well
represented at higher levels within EMBs. Integrating youth into organizations
early and building their administrative skills may assist them to move up within
EMBs.
Example: In Nigeria, the Independent Electoral Commission of
Nigeria (INEC) partnered with the National Youth Service Corps to support the
recruitment of young people in the electoral process, training them in a range
of functions for the 2015 elections. In the lead-up to the 2019 elections INEC
has entered into a partnership with the Youth Initiative for Advocacy Growth
and Advancement (YIAGA) to develop a strategic framework for youth engagement.
Entry points for youth workers include as candidates, election observers and
electoral staff.[i]
