For political systems to be truly representative, it must be inclusive of all people within the society. However, when the youth are disengaged from political processes, this represents a significant population that has little influence on key decisions that directly affect their lives. Despite making up the largest population in Africa, youth participation in policy and decision-making remains disproportionately low, especially where young people under the age of 35, constitute only 1.5% of parliamentarians across Africa. The key consequence is a political system that fails to reflect the needs and aspirations of its largest demographic. To make a difference in the longer term, it is essential that young people are engaged and given a platform in formulating today’s and tomorrow’s politics.
Africa has a busy election calendar in 2024 with a number of elections already witnessed out of the 19 slated for presidential or general elections across the continent. With more to come, it’s clear that the youth have a critical role to play in shaping the future of governance and democracy. Early in the year we witnessed young people taking charge of their futures through significant activism. Africa has seen more youth-led protests with calls to governments to resolve some very pertinent issues. Recently in Kenya, a youth-led movement made headlines as people rallied for accountability and reforms surrounding the proposed finance bill, a demonstration of the growing influence of young people in advocating for societal progress and transparency. However, challenges like low youth voter turnout, mis/disinformation and underrepresentation of youth and women in political spaces continue to undermine election integrity and inclusive democracy. Although one thing is clear: young people are not just the future, they are the present.
In September, we launched the Youth & Elections in Africa Dialogue Series, a platform designed to bring young people, experts, and advocates together to engage in discussions about these challenges and identify practical solutions. Over the coming months, we’ll be exploring a range of critical topics and unpack key electoral issues on social media platforms as highlighted below, and we need YOU to be part of the conversation.
The Impact of Social Media and Internet Culture in Boosting Youth Civic Participation
Social media has revolutionized the way we engage with elections and politics. Platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and TikTok have become powerful tools for digital advocacy, enabling young people to share their views, mobilize voters, and hold leaders accountable. But with great power comes great responsibility.
Social media’s influence on elections is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides a space for underrepresented voices to be heard, creating a more inclusive and democratic dialogue. On the other hand, it has also become a breeding ground for misinformation and manipulation. Understanding how to harness the positive aspects of social media while mitigating its risks is crucial for the integrity of our elections.
Our Youth & Elections Dialogue Series will explore how digital advocacy is shaping voter behavior and what this means for the future of politics for young people. Through an X Space session, we’ll dive into strategies for using social media responsibly and effectively, ensuring that our online actions lead to real-world impact.
Combating Misinformation/Disinformation during Elections
In the digital age, truth is under siege. Misinformation, deep fakes, and fake news have become pervasive, threatening the integrity of our elections and the health of our democracies. Young people, who are among the most active users of social media, are particularly vulnerable to these tactics. However, they also have the power to fight back.
In this dialogue series, we will focus on the role of misinformation in the 2024 elections and equip participants with the tools they need to identify and combat it. We’ll discuss the importance of media literacy, fact-checking, and critical thinking, encouraging young voters to be informed and skeptical consumers of information. By learning to recognize and reject false narratives, we can protect the integrity of our elections and ensure that every vote is based on truth, not deception.
A Conversation on The Persisting Gaps in Women’s Leadership
While progress has been made, female representation in politics remains far from where it should be. Women continue to be underrepresented in leadership roles, and their voices are often marginalized in political discourse. This lack of representation not only undermines the principles of democracy but also leads to policies that fail to address the unique challenges faced by women and girls.
The Dialogue Series will highlight the importance of female representation in the 2024 elections and beyond. We’ll explore the barriers that women face in politics, from gender bias and discrimination to the challenges of balancing public and private life. More importantly, we’ll discuss what can be done to support and empower women who aspire to lead.
General Election Analysis
We will also be reflecting on the elections that have taken place throughout Africa in 2024 and analyzing key outcomes, trends, and what they mean for future electoral processes.
In addition, we’ll be hosting an Essay Writing Competition in November, where young people can submit their reflections on any of these topics. Winners will receive cash prizes, certificates of recognition, and their essays will be featured on our website.
Join the Conversation #YouthAndElectionsInAfrica
The 2024 elections are a pivotal moment for our democracy, and young people have a critical role to play. This series is a platform for YOU, the youth, to engage, contribute, and help shape the future of democracy in Africa. Be sure to tune in and join the conversation using the hashtag #YouthAndElectionsInAfrica, from September, through December for the Youth & Elections Dialogue Series. If you’re interested in contributing to this exciting dialogue series, please connect with Angela Efia Dzidzornu at angela@pollicy.org. Your voice matters — let’s make it count.
Author: Angela Efia Dzidzornu, Pollicy.
