Free and fair elections are a defining feature of democracy. The electoral process provides an opportunity for political parties, citizens, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to influence the composition and direction of public institutions and policy.

In many countries, young people face structural or systems-level barriers for participation in democracy, including minimum age requirements for voting and running for elected office. Negative sociocultural norms also persist, such as the belief that youth do not have the ability or sufficient experience to organize advocacy efforts or serve as leaders within political parties or elected office. In order to improve youth representation in public decision-making and allow them to better voice their needs and interests within the electoral process, it is necessary to dismantle formal and informal barriers to the full electoral participation of young women and men. These efforts may include working with youth on efforts to advocate for changes to the legal framework, electoral administration and oversight, political party practices and policies, and informal practices surrounding voting. Such efforts promote equality and human rights and help further inclusive democracy in support of the objectives under USAID’s DRG Strategy.
 

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