Youth in DRG Programs Module 6: Political Party ProgrammingPolitical parties are the primary mechanisms through which citizens access political leadership, and they represent a central avenue through which people engage in the political process and influence policy. Democratic, transparent, inclusive political parties are therefore a vital element of democratic societies in which diverse voices are heard and all people have an opportunity to meaningfully participate in electoral politics. However, while political parties are usually the gateway to political leadership, formal and informal barriers often exclude youth and other marginalized communities from meaningful participation and leadership in parties. When parties fail to include youth and other marginalized groups in their policies and practices, they perpetuate inequality and sacrifice potentially important electoral advantages. When all people are fairly represented within the political party system, it provides a peaceful means to express concerns and preferences through the political process. Important opportunities to foster such inclusion exist within parties’ internal organizational structures, governance structures, and external engagement practices.

 

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