Can the voices of the youth be heard in the echo chambers of representative democracy, or are they mere spectators in a game played by the elderly?”
Representative democracy, a system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, has been hailed as the cornerstone of modern governance.
Traditionally, representative democracy is characterised by several key features, including free and fair elections, a separation of powers, and accountability to the people. In this system, citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, providing a voice for their interests and concerns. Representative democracy also relies on the principles of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, ensuring that power is not concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or groups.
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Additionally, this system promotes stability, predictability, and the protection of individual rights and freedoms, creating a framework for governance that is fair, just, and responsive to the needs of all citizens.
However, a critical examination of this system reveals a glaring oversight – the representation of youth. Do the youth have a seat at the table, or are they merely pawns in a game controlled by the elderly?
The answer lies in the demographics of our elected officials. The average age of lawmakers in most countries is significantly higher than the median age of the population. In most West African countries, for example, the average age of Senators is 63, while the median age of the population is 38. This raises questions about whether the youth are truly represented in the halls of power. Are their concerns, aspirations, and values being taken into account, or are they mere afterthoughts in the decision-making process?
Even when youth are represented, are they represented by fellow youths or old people? The answer is often the latter. Older politicians, however well-intentioned, may not fully understand the challenges and opportunities facing the younger generation. They may be out of touch with the realities of modern life, from social media to climate change. This can lead to policies that are disconnected from the needs of the youth, perpetuating a cycle of disengagement and disillusionment.
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Moreover, representative democracy often prioritizes the interests of special groups and lobbyists over those of the youth. The influence of money in politics means that policies are often shaped by those with the deepest pockets, rather than the most pressing needs. This can result in policies that benefit corporations and the wealthy at the expense of the youth, perpetuating inequality and social injustice.
Furthermore, the very structure of representative democracy can be a barrier to youth participation. Voter suppression, gerrymandering, and restrictive voting laws can all limit the ability of young people to exercise their franchise. Even when they can vote, the complexity of the political process and the lack of civic education can leave them feeling disempowered and disconnected.
So, what can be done to address these shortcomings? First and foremost, we need to increase the representation of youth in government. This can be achieved through measures such as lowering the voting age, implementing youth quotas in parliament, and providing training and support for young candidates. We also need to reform the political process to make it more inclusive and accessible, through measures such as online voting, automatic voter registration, and civic education programs.
Moreover, we need to shift the focus of politics from the interests of the few to the needs of the many. This means prioritising policies that benefit the youth, such as affordable education, mental health services, and climate action. It also means addressing the systemic issues that perpetuate inequality and social injustice, such as racism, sexism, and economic inequality.
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Agreeably, the representative democracy we have today is not truly representative of the youth. It is a system that perpetuates the interests of the elderly and the powerful at the expense of the young and the marginalised. However, by increasing youth representation, reforming the political process, and prioritising the needs of the many, we can create a more just and equitable system that truly represents the voices of the youth. The question is, will we choose to listen?
At Inside Success Nigeria, we believe in the doctrine of separation of power, not the opposite. Kindly subscribe to our website and follow us on Instagram @ InsideSuccessNigeria to get more
3 Comments
In all fairness, we, the youth are under-represented. I’m worried because. What has gone wrong? Those who conquered the country during military years were younger. Are we now so weak that we can’t act? How is it those who led us from time and still visibly present? I’m worried! A day is coming, and that day will come.
God bless Nigeria!
Unfortunately, the youth are not prepared! Yes, we are not prepared! Those of us given the privilege to represent in one capacity or the other failed! While those of us who have little cash from one source or the other aren’t willing to change the narrative!
Whether old or young, let the best emerge.
God bless us!
God will help Nigeria! This statement about God helping us has made us lazy and foolish! We must think and act. Nigeria belongs to us. We must all become involved and willing to serve – elected or not!