Young people's exclusion from the nation's political processes results in political inertia. Here are just some of the problems that arise as a result of the lack of young people’s representation in the parliament:

Progressive concerns are sidelined. Young people's chief concerns greatly overlap with urgent policy reforms, such as education, the economy, technology, and environmentalism. The absence of their voices prevents immediate issues from being holistically discussed by those made to bear their greatest consequences.

Politics is deeply mystified. When a demographic this significant in number is excluded from institutional politics, there is a lack of investment in the subject as an everyday practice.

Politics is seen as futile. When the only political channels available to the youth are those of extra-institutional means (such as protests), political decision-making is perceived as an ineffective solution for major issues.

Accountability is limited. When those who hold key offices in politics do not consider young people as a distinct and vital political demographic, the democratic contract is fractured—the youth electorate is consistently disenfranchised.

A lack of trust grows between young people and political institutions. Young people do not see themselves, their aspirations, demands, concerns, and identities reflected in their elected representatives, causing them to disengage from political practices. The absence of a participative polity result in political decisions that do not reflect the pulse of the nation as a whole.

Take it from the UNDP’s Good Practice Guide on Enhancing Youth Political Participation: “With limited opportunities and exposure to meaningfully participate in inclusive decision-making processes, young men and women feel excluded and marginalised in their societies and communities. The need for participatory structures and greater trust between youth and institutions and for greater capacity development is also stressed.”

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