Gambian Youths Must Vote

The reality of our new political dispensation is that we are democratic to a certain extent. But there are other key factors that affect political participation. These include religion, age, ethnicity, education, etc. Political engagement is very pivotal for political stability and vitality of societies. Corresponding with the quest and surge for democratization and economic liberalization efforts since independence. The magnitude of the social problem confronting the country is the compelling factor that should encourage the youth to be fully involved in the political discourse for the socio-economic development of the country. Looking at certain setbacks such as corruption, dictatorship and oppressive regimes, the perceived marginalization of certain ethnic groups, bad governance, etc. that have engulfed the country for several years, there are some who question whether we can still classify our beloved country, the Gambia, as a democratic state. Democracy guarantees freedom of speech, of religion, of association etc. These freedoms are to encourage and propel the youth to engage themselves politically for the development of the country. But the question is: how prepared are the youth to engage themselves politically and run for political positions? Since they are the future leaders, how can they contribute to make sure there is justice in the electoral process? And how can they ensure that elections are free and fair and without violence? Marginalization of Ethnicity in politics, abuse of fundamental human rights and corruption that have saddled our country have hindered our progress towards the Promised Land promised by former president Yahya Jammeh in his vision 2020. Coalition 2016 saved us from the broad day robbery and slumber of a nightmare to the reality of having to decide our faith through the ballot box. However, the struggle continues to uphold the predication of the developmental agenda that writing cannot finish. To begin with, let's ask ourselves, after five years of democracy, have the hopes and aspirations of democracy been realized or lost among the youthful population? Have we aligned ourselves to a political system that will save the next generation? Is the gap between the majority poor rural folks and the minority ruling and powerful class reducing or increasing. These rhetorical questions will always raise the eyebrows of the youth when they reflect and compare our dear country to other African countries like Rwanda that suffered a terrible civil war in the early 90s, but in their recovery process, they formulated innovative, progressive and educational programs that have either reduced or eliminated poverty to some extent. This explains why the Gambian youth are not motivated to engage themselves in politics, a situation that has turned the Gambia to oligarchical state (a small group of people), bad governance, leading to youth unemployment, poor educational system, and youth migration. Migration experts assert that African countries, especially the Gambia, are suffering from brain drainage as their educated, experienced and talented people migrate abroad for greener pasture. African youth are marginalized politically, economically, and socially. Scholars use terms like a ‘lost generation’ or ‘a generation that is finding the transition from youth to adulthood’, to describe them, a challenge owed to the absence of educational and economic prospects. The youth should be given a chance to take an active part in the decision-making making at local, national and global levels. The Gambian 2021 President Election is a crucial one for a lot of reasons, but the most significant is the participation of the Gambia youths. The ballot box remains the fundamental road map to choose our leaders who will effect system change and ensure economic advancement and opportunities for this country. We must fight against the attitude of staying at home on Election Day firmly believing that political parties and their leaders are more or less a carbon copy. So is either you choose to participate or better still sit and see the decisions political leaders take affect you in one way or the other. I will therefore propose that we initiate youth voters’ engagement through digital means and social media that will educate young people to participate in the electoral process. Let us all join the crusade, united in our voices, and make a symbolic difference in the country by voting in large numbers for leaders who will set our country on the path of progress and prosperity for all. Youth are to be given a chance to take an active part in the decision-making at local, national and global levels