Democracy's Missing Link: Youth in the Driver's Seat

From Pakistan to Nigeria and the United States to New Zealand, join host Kibo Ngowi in this special edition of the Accountabili-TEA podcast as we take a deep dive into youth and democratic participation across the world. Did you know that globally, only about 47.7 percent of young people aged 18 to 29 participate in national elections? This percentage varies significantly across countries, revealing a stark contrast in youth engagement. The numbers tell a story of low voter turnout, which reflects a troubling lack of interest, trust issues, and dissatisfaction with democratic processes. But it's not just about casting ballots; many young people feel that their voices go unheard in important government decisions. In a UN survey, a staggering 76 percent of individuals under 30 stated that politicians don't listen to them. In Spain, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, these numbers are even higher. This disconnection is not merely a perception; it's a reality, with 69 percent of countries restricting young people from running for office, even though they can vote. In fact, a mere 2.6 percent of the world's parliamentarians are under 30, highlighting a significant gap between young citizens and their governments. In this episode, Kibo Ngowi engages with three remarkable guests who provide insights and solutions to bridge this divide: Samson Itodo, a seasoned community organiser, and development practitioner who led the "Not Too Young To Run" movement in Nigeria. Samson shares the key lessons from Nigeria's recent elections and discusses the impact on youth participation in politics. Amna Rajput, a Project Manager at Accountability Lab Pakistan, shares the essential hopes and expectations of Pakistani youth going into the upcoming elections. She also sheds light on the challenges of young people's disillusionment with electoral politics and alternative ways they are engaging with democracy. Aksel Sundström, an Associate Professor at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, co-author of the book "Youth without Representation," explores the global trend of youth exclusion from political offices and the reasons behind it. He delves into the disillusionment of young voters and the other avenues through which young people are shaping their nations. As we delve into these conversations, a few key takeaways emerge. Youth-led activist movements worldwide show that young people are far from apathetic about democracy; they just lack faith in formal processes like elections. To change this, political parties must go beyond token appeals to young voters and actively involve them in leadership positions and as political candidates.  The myth that only older individuals are fit for democratic leadership needs to be systematically challenged by removing age barriers. Empowering young people is not just a moral imperative; it's essential for addressing global issues like climate change, inequality, and conflict. Their perspectives and ideas are vital for shaping a brighter future.