The Youth and Public Affairs Forum at the Citizenship Center convened a dialogue session to address the question: What is the benefit of male and female youth participation in elections?

Despite the restrictions imposed by the current parliamentary election law on the vitality of the political participation of young people, this social category participating in the evaluation program for the democratic transition path in Jordan see ambitious prospects in participating in the parliamentary elections. However, they are more interested in participating in the provincial elections than in the parliamentary elections. They are also convinced that political decision-making in Jordan does not only take place through traditional official channels. Civil society, on the other hand, plays an important role in political, social, and even economic decision-making as well.

Young men and women understand that they can make a difference in the electoral process. However; a loss of confidence in the official institution, specifically the government, which they describe as moody and weakness in possessing tools and mechanisms for programmatic communication with youth, remains present. Plus the sudden change in priorities and programs related to youth

There are more than 1.5 million people who have the right to vote in Jordan under the age of 30. However, the participation of young men and women in political decision-making remains low due to regulatory legislations. Yet, young people see a misunderstanding of parliament about the developmental roles and objectives of civil society. This resulted in a constant criticism and hatred led by some members of the parliament against civil society organizations and its development activities. Thus, the gap of trust and participation in serving the public interest widens.

This was a summary of the online discussion session held by the Youth Forum and Public Affairs at the Citizenship Center on Tuesday 25th of July. The session was dedicated mainly to the issue of the importance of the participation of young men and women in the elections.