Participation of youth in elections enhances representation, contributes to change

Baghdad, 5 October 2021 – Participation of youth in elections enhances their representation and contributes to much-needed change, the Chief of UNAMI’s Human Rights Office said, urging the youth to partake in the upcoming national elections on 10 October.

Ms. Danielle Bell also highlighted the central role of human rights as an indispensable requirement for transparent and fair elections.

“Effective political systems require representation from all parts of society. The engagement of Iraqi youth in the electoral processes is crucial to make a difference in the longer term, and your work to encourage youth to participate in the upcoming elections is vital,” she said in opening remarks at a seminar in Baghdad organized by the Jssor Youth Organization on supporting transparent and fair elections.

Participants discussed the concerns of youth about voting in the elections, procedural standards guaranteeing the transparency of the electoral process as well as the role of the media.

“Participation in the electoral process cannot be effective unless a wide range of rights are respected, including freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom from discrimination, and freedom from fear and intimidation among others,” Ms. Bell said.

Author: HRO, UNAMI