Youth tend to be disengaged from formal political processes. They are also under-represented in election management roles. EMBs have a critical role to play in promoting youth participation in electoral management. 

Including young people in various roles in the election management, on electoral management bodies’ advisory boards, as voting station workers, and as election observers, would improve the EMB’s knowledge about the needs of young voters as well give the young people involved a way of participating effectively in the political process. This is good all around – for youth, for EMBs, and for the wider society. 

Apart from enhancing the role of youth within its organization, an EMB also needs to assume a youth-empowerment perspective on all the electoral processes it manages throughout the electoral cycle. This involves supporting youth-focused and youth-led organizations and partnering with CSOs and other electoral stakeholders that empower youth. Adopting models of meaningful youth engagement will assist them in developing relationships that are long-lasting and sustainable for all parties. This is critical when finances are scarce. 

The involvement of young people in various EMBs structures and processes requires will, money, and may require a shift in the mind-set of senior staff. This may be especially challenging in hierarchical organizations where leadership positions are based more on seniority than merit.