Dimension: 7.2.3 Representation of youth

This dimension concerns the representation of young men and women in parliament. An enabling legal framework, free of restrictive barriers, is important for increasing the political participation of young people.

The alignment of the minimum age of eligibility to run for office with the minimum voting age is a considerable factor for youth representation. In the case of bicameral parliaments, it is also beneficial to equalize the age of eligibility for both chambers.

Some parliaments have adopted special measures to enhance youth representation in parliament, such as legislated candidate quotas or reserved seats. Political parties can also make an impact by introducing voluntary quotas, by strengthening party youth wings/organizations and by promoting young people to run for office.

Many parliaments have committees that work on youth issues. In some parliaments, caucuses dedicated to youth issues or caucuses of young MPs have been formed, while in other cases young parliamentarians have developed their own networks.

Organizing specific training and mentoring for young MPs, as well as providing an enabling environment through measures such as childcare facilities, a flexible work schedule and remote working possibilities, are other examples of good parliamentary practices for enhancing the representation of youth.

For ways in which parliament seeks to include the views of young people in its work, see also Dimension 5.1.5: Youth inclusion.

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Aspiring goal

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “representation of youth” is as follows:

  • The legal framework establishes that the minimum age of eligibility to run for political office is the same as the minimum voting age.
  • Legislative and policy measures are taken to promote youth representation in parliament.
  • Parliamentary bodies, such as committees, caucuses or networks of young MPs, are mandated to address youth issues.  
  • There is an enabling environment for young MPs in parliament, including the availability of training and mentoring.

Assess your parliament against this dimension

Assessment criteria

No 1: Minimum age of eligibility

The legal framework establishes that the minimum age of eligibility to run for political office is the same as the minimum voting age.

No 2: Promoting youth representation

Legislative and policy measures are taken to promote youth representation in parliament. 

No 3: Bodies addressing youth issues

Parliamentary bodies, such as committees, caucuses or networks of young MPs, are mandated to address youth issues.

No 4: Enabling environment for young MPs

There is an enabling environment for young MPs in parliament, including the availability of training and mentoring.

No 5: Practice

In practice, there is commitment to enhancing youth representation in parliament. Over the past three parliaments, there has been an increase in both the number and proportion of seats held by MPs under age 45, under age 40 and under age 30.

How to complete this assessment

This dimension is assessed against several criteria, each of which should be evaluated separately. For each criterion, select one of the six descriptive grades (Non-existent, Rudimentary, Basic, Good, Very good and Excellent) that best reflects the situation in your parliament, and provide details of the evidence on which this assessment is based. 

The evidence for assessment of this dimension could include the following:

  • Provisions of the constitution and/or other aspects of the legal framework establishing the minimum voting age and the minimum age of eligibility to run for office
  • Parliament Parliament A national body of elected (or sometimes appointed) representatives that makes laws, debates issues and holds the government to account. ’s policies, structures and/or documents addressing the engagement of young MPs and the support provided to them
  • The number of MPs under age 45, under age 40 and under age 30
  • Evidence of parliamentary communication promoting the work of young MPs

Where relevant, provide additional comments or examples that support the assessment.

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Get help with this assessment

The assessment of indicators involves diagnosing and considering strengths and weaknesses, i.e. the things parliament is doing well, and the things it could do better or more effectively, taking into account established good practices that are described in the indicators. 

Read the assessment guidance to find out what to consider when conducting an assessment against the Indicators. Find out how to prepare, how to set the objectives of the assessment, how to organize the process, and more. Contact the project partners for expert advice.

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