THE SURGE IN YOUTH VOTING IN PAKISTAN:
2018 VS. 2024
LET’S LOOK CLOSER
Despite Pakistan’s youthful demographic, with more than 65% of its population under the age of 30, the country has faced persistent challenges with low youth voter turnout but the 2024 General Election witnessed an extraordinary surge in youth voter participation; The recent revelations from Gallup Pakistan’s exit poll, bring a wave of optimism with youth voter turnout climbing to an unprecedented 48%—an impressive 11 percentage points higher than the 37% recorded in 2018. This remarkable increase signifies the success of targeted strategies designed to engage and empower young voters. Historically, youth turnout lagged significantly behind overall voter turnout, sometimes by as much as 29 percentage points. The 2024 elections represent a pivotal moment, where youth participation nearly matched the overall turnout. While there was a slight decline in overall voter turnout from 52.1% in 2018 to 48% in 2024, the substantial rise in youth engagement is a testament to effective advocacy and outreach efforts aimed at revitalizing democratic participation among Pakistan’s younger generation.
PILDAT’s Perspective:
Be Seen, Be Heard Campaign
With a particular focus on the youth, women, marginalized communities, and other groups sometimes ignored in mainstream political discourse, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the need of political engagement.
WHY TBS x PILDAT?
In order to have a significant impact on promoting inclusion, empowerment, and participation in Pakistan, The Body Shop Pakistan and PILDAT (Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency) have teamed up for the “Be Seen, Be Heard” campaign. Together, they can make the most of their specific advantages to magnify the voices of disadvantaged communities, promote policy changes, and motivate people to actively participate in the democratic process, all of which will contribute to the creation of a society that is more inclusive and equitable.
Youth’s Electoral Participation in Pakistan
PILDAT launches a report on Youth’s Electoral Participation in Pakistan, in collaboration with The Body Shop, as a vital initiative under the global campaign ‘Be Seen, Be Heard’ to empower youth. Join us in amplifying the voices of the youth.
For the English version of the report
For the Urdu version of the report
Join the Campaign with US
PILDAT remains committed to fostering a more inclusive and representative democratic process. We invite you to join us in celebrating this achievement and continuing the work to ensure that every young voice in Pakistan is heard and valued. We will continue to post opinions, ideas, and campaign developments in real-time on our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & X accounts, @Pildat. Voice your opinions, thoughts and suggestions using these hashtags on social media; #YouthinParliament and #BeSeenBeHeard.
Campaign Happenings
In order to promote inclusivity, empowerment, and active involvement in democratic processes, The Body Shop Pakistan and PILDAT (Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency) are collaborating. In Pakistan, study and data collection on matters pertaining to representation, civic participation, and democratic practices are crucially important. Their study aids in identifying areas that need attention and improvement and offers insightful information about the difficulties faced by underrepresented groups. Through its marketing and communication channels, The Body Shop Pakistan rapidly propagates the campaign’s message of inclusivity, empowerment, and representation. They make use of their platform to inform the public about the objectives of the campaign and to motivate individuals to take part in initiatives that advance inclusivity and social change.
Young People:
Creating the Future
The 2024 General Election has marked a historic milestone in youth engagement, with a record-breaking 48% turnout among young voters. This unprecedented level of participation underscores the vital role of youth in shaping Pakistan’s democratic future. PILDAT and The Body Shop Pakistan recognize the immense potential of young people—whose creativity, energy, and determination are essential for driving societal progress. The significant increase in youth voter turnout reflects a growing recognition of their importance in the democratic process. It is crucial to acknowledge and harness the power of youth, ensuring they are not merely seen but actively heard and valued. This achievement is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that electorally engaged youth can have on society. However, the rise in voter turnout is just the beginning. It’s crucial to leverage this momentum to encourage deeper political involvement among young people. Voting is a powerful tool, but it must be complemented by active participation in political discourse, policy-making, and leadership roles. The goal should be to ensure that young people are not only seen as a significant voting bloc but also as integral contributors to shaping public policy and governance.
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