YOUTHS IN GLOBAL POLITICS: THE GROWING INFLUENCE
The rise of youth-led organizations and voter turnout initiatives, such as Rock the Vote in the United States, demonstrates their ability to mobilize peers and influence elections. However, their effectiveness is often limited by entrenched political systems that favor older, established elites, highlighting the need for structural reforms to amplify their voices.
By Fuseh Markus
The Growing Influence of Youths in Global Politics
Across the globe, youths are increasingly shaping political landscapes by leveraging their energy, digital savviness, and passion for change.
In many countries, young leaders and activists, typically aged 18 to 35, are challenging traditional power structures through grassroots movements and social media campaigns.
For instance, figures like Greta Thunberg have ga
lvanized global climate action, while young parliamentarians in nations like New Zealand and Finland have pushed progressive policies on issues like mental health and education.
The rise of youth-led organizations and voter turnout initiatives, such as Rock the Vote in the United States, demonstrates their ability to mobilize peers and influence elections. However, their effectiveness is often limited by entrenched political systems that favor older, established elites, highlighting the need for structural reforms to amplify their voices.
Barriers to Youth Effectiveness in Political Spheres
Despite their enthusiasm, youths face significant obstacles in translating their activism into tangible political outcomes.
Financial constraints, such as the high costs of running campaigns or accessing political networks, often exclude young candidates who lack wealthy backers.
In many democracies, political parties prioritize experienced figures, sidelining younger aspirants or relegating them to token roles.
Additionally, systemic issues like voter apathy among youth—often due to distrust in institutions—reduce their collective impact.
In authoritarian regimes, young activists risk censorship, imprisonment, or violence, as seen in protests in Hong Kong or Belarus. These challenges underscore the need for mentorship, funding, and legal protections to enable youths to compete on equal footing with seasoned politicians.
Empowering Youths for Greater Political Impact
To enhance the effectiveness of youths in politics, governments and civil society must create inclusive pathways for participation.
Lowering age barriers for political office, as seen in countries like Nigeria with the "Not Too Young to Run" campaign, can encourage candidacy.
Political education programs in schools and universities can foster informed engagement, while subsidies or public funding for campaigns can reduce financial hurdles. Digital platforms offer a powerful tool for youths to organize and advocate, but bridging the digital divide is crucial to include marginalized groups. Encouraging youth representation in party leadership and policy-making bodies will also ensure their perspectives shape governance.
By investing in these strategies, societies can harness the innovation and idealism of young people to build more responsive and equitable political systems.
They're so many, but let me pause here for now.. lol 😂 😆
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Comments
While been used and dumped..the elites have their schooled in the best universities of the world..
One dangerous narrative destroying the future of the youth is the craze to make quick money vide deceptive internet schemes popularly known as Yahoo yahoo.go to hotels and other hideous and see how they youths are destroying their future.youthful boys and girls of the University age indulging in sexual immorality..smooking weeds and drinking hard liquor.
Where lies the hope and future.itd blink and uncertained.
Hmmm..the human resources management institutions like theplaces of faith and universities have failed..
Our leaders too have not dond enough.what do u expect when political leaders are loothing and bastardizing all procesess and institutions thaf should protect the punlic interest and ensure the well-being of all.