THE NEED FOR YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS

© Ejidokun Moses Oluwaseun

Odeomu, Ayedaade Local Government, Osun State, Nigeria.

As soon as any man says of the affairs of the State "What does it matter to me?" the State may be given up for lost.

Political participation includes a broad range of activities through which people develop and express their opinions on the world and how it is governed, and try to take part in and shape the decisions that affect their lives.

People in political decision-making positions

Globally, youth participation and representation in institutional political processes and policy-making is relatively low. People under the age of 35 are rarely found in parliaments, public administration, and decision-making bodies such as committees on peace-building and constitution building. In one-third of countries, eligibility for the national parliament starts at 25 years or higher (as high as 45 in some places).

[i] Even when the voting age is 18 years of age, eligibility to be a candidate is often higher. See Lowering the Age of Eligibility to Run for Office.

For political systems to be representative, all parts of society must be included. When young people are disenfranchised or disengaged from political processes, a significant portion of the population has little or no voice or influence in decisions that affect group members’ lives. A key consequence is the undermining of political systems’ representativeness.

To make a difference in the longer term, it is essential that young people are engaged in formal political processes and have a say in formulating today’s and tomorrow’s politics. Inclusive political participation is not only a fundamental political and democratic right but also is crucial to building stable and peaceful societies and developing policies that respond to the specific needs of younger generations. For young people to be adequately represented in political institutions, processes, and decision-making, and in particular in elections, they must know their rights and be given the necessary knowledge and capacity to participate in a meaningful way at all levels.

When there are obstacles to participating in formal, institutionalized political processes, young people can rapidly feel disempowered. Many tend to believe that their voices are not going to be heard or that they will not be taken seriously even if they are heard. The problem becomes circular as politicians may lose interest in responding to the aspirations of young people if they cannot win their votes. This in turn leads to young people being increasingly excluded from taking part in decision-making, or in debates about key socio-economic and political issues, despite their sensitivity to the demands for social equity and justice, environmental protection and cultural diversity.

In new and emerging democracies, the inclusion of young people in formal political processes is important from the start.

 Young people’s active contributions can bring democratic values to life, leading to the overturning of authoritarian practices. In countries where young people have led protests that have forced authoritarian regimes from power, they are likely to feel significant frustration if they are not included in new formal decision-making procedures. This can destabilize democratization and accelerate conflict dynamics.

Young men and women participate in political processes in multiple ways. However, the representation of young people in formal political processes remains limited. Participation of all citizens in formal political processes is important for democracy; furthermore, young people themselves are calling for better integration into these processes. A consensus is emerging that increasing the participation of young people has both instrumental and intrinsic value for both the young men and women themselves and for the wider society.

Youth as Agents for Change

Never before have so many young people been involved in movements for change worldwide. They are taking to the streets and using online social networks and communities to connect, express their voices, and campaign for change. They are protesting against authoritarian regimes, corruption, and inequalities. They are fighting for sustainable development and a better future for current and new generations. 

However, the political representation of young women and men remains limited. They are increasingly demanding more meaningful participation in decision-making processes, so they can have more control over how their lives and futures are shaped. Although young people are involved in activism in the digital space, protesting, volunteering to improve their communities and innovating for social good, their participation in and influence on formal politics is limited. Voter turnout is in decline in all democracies and is concentrated among youth.

Conclusion: Young people are underrepresented in political decision-making positions and their involvement in political parties is dwindling.

Positive change should be made and we youths are the one to do this by getting involved in the political activities of our nation so as not to be governed by fools that oppresses the youths with power in their hands.