Experts suggest use of digital platforms for mobilisation of young voters

ISLAMABAD: Given the young population’s technological engagement with widespread use of the internet and social media, experts have suggested the use of digital platforms as effective channels for voter mobilization.

In a thought-provoking panel discussion at the launch of the report ‘Democracy’s Vanguard: Youth’s Electoral Participation in Pakistan,’ Farhatullah Babar stressed the urgent need for a level playing field, advocating for the active involvement of youth, minorities and women to ensure inclusivity in the electoral process. 

He emphasized the necessity for increased surveys and youth participation, pointing out four crucial elements for achieving this goal, while also underscoring the revival of student unions. Nighat Siddique outlined the ECP’s efforts in educating students about the voting process, attributing the low youth voter turnout partly to issues with National Identity Cards (NICs) and sharing statistics on the extensive outreach initiatives conducted in collaboration with PILDAT. Bilal Gilani, Executive Director of Gallup Pakistan, echoed concerns about low youth voter turnout, citing mistrust and registration difficulties as alarming factors, based on their survey findings. Senator Dr Afnan Ullah Khan outlined his party’s manifesto, proposing strategies to enhance youth electoral participation. Senator Syed Ali Zafar emphasized that the nation’s future lies in empowering the youth and urged the importance of exercising the vote.

Overviewing the report, Amna Kausar from PILDAT highlighted that youth, defined as persons aged 15-29, constitute 29 percent of Pakistan’s population, signalling a significant potential influence on electoral outcomes. According to the report, as of September 2023, there are approximately 127 million registered voters. Out of these, around 55 million voters are young Pakistanis aged between 18 and 35. This age group represents about 43.85 percent of the total eligible voting population, making it a significant demographic in the electoral landscape of the country. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, President of PILDAT, raised concerns about the notably low youth voter turnout, which is below the overall voter turnout of around 44 percent. He commended the ECP for its initiative to incorporate youth-focused objectives in its strategic planning.