Former Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya has called for a dedicated youth quota in parliamentary and provincial council elections, similar to the provision already in place for local government polls.
Speaking ahead of International Youth Day on August 12, Deshapriya told the media yesterday that youth participation in politics remains low despite the need for fresh perspectives.
“Youth need democracy, democracy needs youth,” he said, adding that political institutions also need young members to stay relevant and representative.
The call is being backed by VIEW (Volunteer Initiatives for Election Watch) and AFRIEL (Association of Friendship and Love), which will launch awareness campaigns in Jaffna, Batticaloa, Vavuniya, Nuwara Eliya, Colombo, Gampaha, Matara and Hambantota on Tuesday, he said.
The initiatives will focus on highlighting the lack of youth representation and advocating for policy changes to address it. (Islandnews)
