Mr. Ceesay made these remarks at the regional education office in Kerewan during a dialogue with Political Parties’ regional and district executive committees on the increase inclusion of young people in political party leadership positions at national and regional levels ahead of the biennial Congress of Political Parties and the 2023 Local Government Elections.
This dialogue under the theme: “Promoting Meaningful involvement and Participation of Youths in Politics and Party Structures” is aimed at creating a platform to dialogue, identify challenges and make commitment to enhance inclusion of youths – including those with disabilities – in leadership positions and decision making structures of political parties.
The engagement was also meant to help to build capacities of stakeholders on the Concepts and Principles of Democracy, Democratic Governance, Fundamental Rights, Political Tolerance and respect for the Rule of Law.
The activity involved six (6) dialogue sessions in six (6) Administrative Regions of the North Bank Region (NBR), Central River Region (CRR), Upper River Region (URR), Lower River Region (LRR), West Coast Region (WCR) & Kanifing Municipality targeting 270 participants from Regional Parties representatives, Institutions/Organisations, young people and Persons with Disabilities.
He said over the years there has been major progress in terms of having young people in critical political positions but added that the progress is slow due to numerous hurdles.
He noted that despite the recent spark of interest in governance and political discourse, young people continue to be largely underrepresented in politics, especially in Political Party leadership structures.
“The only position reserved for them in most Political Parties are Campaign and Mobilization Roles but no critical decision making role despite forming over 60% of the country’s population and the critical mass of almost all political parties,” he stated.
He called on respective Political Parties to seriously call for youth representative as they prepare for their biennial congresses and the upcoming Council Elections.
“Inclusivity and fair representation is a human right and much in line with our legal instruments and policies and hence an obligation on all and sundry.”
He thanked the UN Peace Building Fund (PBF) through UNFPA and NYC for their collaboration and support.
