Engaging youth in democratic process

The year 2024 heralds a global wave of elections, with approximately 49% of the world’s population in over 64 countries gearing up to cast their votes. Yet, it is not merely the act of voting itself that distinguishes these elections from the previous ones; rather, it is the process leading up to them and the subsequent outcomes that set them apart. Historically, Pakistan’s electoral process has always been marred by allegations of irregularities and lack of fairness. However, in recent times, the advent of social media and technology has exposed the darkest and ugliest of aspects of this process to the 55 million young voters already wary of the whole democratic process. In Pakistan, the youth constitute a significant segment of the population, holding immense potential to drive positive change and shape the nation’s future. However, disillusionment with the existing democratic process has led many young, educated Pakistanis to seek opportunities abroad, undermining the country’s ability to harness their talents and energies.