Youths encouraged to participate in local democracy
DAR ES SALAAM: AS the local government election approaches, Tanzanian youths have been urged to actively participate by contesting for leadership roles and voting.
Speaking at the “Youth na Siasa” learning session organized by the Imara Leadership Initiative in Dar es Salaam on Friday, Secretary General of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi’s Youth Wing (UVCCM), Ms Jokate Mwegelo, said youth representation in the previous election was less than 35 per cent, a figure that must improve.
“With half of Tanzania’s population being youth, it’s crucial for young people to aim for at least 50 per cent representation among candidates in the upcoming elections.
We, as youth, should not only vote but also run for office and take part in decision-making,” said She further said young people should understand that their voice and responsibility in local government are vital for the health of democracy.
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“When youth actively participate in local governance, they not only contribute to more dynamic and inclusive decision-making but also cultivate a sense of civic responsibility and ownership of their community’s future.” Ms Mwegelo said.
She noted that that youth voters remain a minority and called for strategies to boost turnout.
“We need a massive youth turnout at the polls from local councils to parliament. It’s vital that we engage fully in local government elections, as development starts at the grassroots level,” Ms Mwegelo said.
To address democratic challenges and promote youth participation in public affairs, the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) is leading the European Union-funded initiative -Women and Youth in Democracy (WYDE) Civic Engagement.
As members of the EPD, the Kofi Annan Foundation, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), and the Oslo Centre are implementing part of the WYDE Civic Engagement initiative, “Accountability Hubs,” which aims to improve the inclusion of young people in democracy and decision-making.
WYDE Accountability Hub member Petrider Paul explained that their initiative was training young leaders across Sub-Saharan Africa in governance and accountability. She said in Tanzania, the programme targets youth aged 15-35 to enhance their participation in the electoral process and prepares women for leadership roles
