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Youth

While young people play central and catalyzing roles in movements for democracy around the world, they are less engaged than older generations in voting and party activism. As of 2016 people between the ages of 20 and 44 make up 57% of the world’s voting age population but only 26% of the world’s Members of Parliament (MPs). Young people under 30 only represent 1.9% of the world’s MP’s and more than 80% of the world’s upper houses of Parliament have no MPs aged under 30. While male MPs outnumber female MPs in every age category, gender imbalance is less pronounced among younger MPs around the world. This suggests that young men and women may be more likely to make way for new faces and voices to be represented in decision-making (Inter-parliamentary Union Youth Participation in National Parliaments, 2016). Strategies that may promote the engagement of youth in political processes include: youth quotas; legal reforms to align the voting age with the minimum age for elected officials; proportional representation electoral systems; inclusive parliaments and local governance; removal of barriers for youth electoral participation; outreach and recruitment of students by political parties; and targeted outreach to youth political candidates.

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Youth Participation in Electoral Processes – Handbook for Electoral Management Bodies

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June 30, 2017

Youth Participation in Electoral Processes – Handbook for Electoral Management Bodies

Specifically designed for electoral management bodies (EMBs), this publication acknowledges the crucial role EMBs play in ensuring that all segments of the society, including youth, are empowered to fully participate in the electoral

Specifically designed for electoral management bodies (EMBs), this publication acknowledges the crucial role EMBs play in ensuring that all segments of the society, including youth, are empowered to fully participate in the electoral

World News

Ms. Jayathma Wickramanayake of Sri Lanka - Envoy on Youth

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Ms. Jayathma Wickramanayake of Sri Lanka - Envoy on Youth

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United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Jayathma Wickramanayake of Sri Lanka as his next Envoy on Youth.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Jayathma Wickramanayake of Sri Lanka as his next Envoy on Youth.

World News

"We are not too young to run": Youth in Nigeria march to support bill

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"We are not too young to run": Youth in Nigeria march to support bill

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Despite comprising almost half of the Nigerian population, youth have been historically marginalized from entering politics at a state and federal level.

Despite comprising almost half of the Nigerian population, youth have been historically marginalized from entering politics at a state and federal level.

World News

Building skills for youth political participation in Guinea, by NDI

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Building skills for youth political participation in Guinea, by NDI

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Approximately 60 percent of Guinea’s population is under the age of 24, but young people in the West African nation continue to be underrepresented in politics. Their interests and priorities are largely ignored in policies and electoral strategies.

Approximately 60 percent of Guinea’s population is under the age of 24, but young people in the West African nation continue to be underrepresented in politics. Their interests and priorities are largely ignored in policies and electoral strategies.

Videos

International IDEA introduces the Youth Democracy Academy

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June 14, 2017

International IDEA introduces the Youth Democracy Academy

International IDEA’s Youth Democracy Academy is designed to ensure that young women and men, too often marginalized from politica

International IDEA’s Youth Democracy Academy is designed to ensure that young women and men, too often marginalized from politica

World News

Youth role in future representation and participation, discussed at International IDEA round table

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Youth role in future representation and participation, discussed at International IDEA round table

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Do new generations of citizens no longer support democratic values and practices?

Do new generations of citizens no longer support democratic values and practices?

Interviews