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African youth Development link Advocating for Inclusion of marginalised groups in leadership roles

26 May, 2023
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With less than 2 years to the start of another general election season, a group of political party youth leaders is calling for full inclusion of youth and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the electoral processes.


The youth are pushing for electoral reforms that will guarantee their right to vote as provided for under Article 59 of the Constitution.

Addressing a joint news conference in Kampala today, Derick Namakajjo Chairperson of the African Youth Development Link said that although the legal and structural framework supports youth and Persons With Disabilities ‘participation in the electoral process, they have identified some barriers in the legal, policy, and administrative management of elections.

These, he says hinders effective participation of youth and persons with disabilities that need the attention of the relevant stakeholders.

The youth leaders cite one of the barriers as denial of the right to vote by the Electoral College system which only allows participation of just a few, recommending that parliament amends the National Youth Council Act to allow direct youth elections with the aim of amplifying youth voices in electoral democracy.

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