By MUHAMMED S. BAH
A youth civil society movement –Not Too Young To Run, campaign seeks to inspire young people’s participation in politics and encourage them to assume public offices Wednesday convened a stakeholders dialogue and the formal launching of the movement (Not Too Young To Run).
The event held at the Gambia Christian Council in Kanifing.
The event brought together actors including political parties, young people, development partners and civil society organization to dialogue and support youth and women participation in the fourth National Assembly Elections slated for April 6, 2017.
Delivering the statement on behalf of the executive director, Action Aid International the Gambia, Bai Cham said youth’s participation in politics can take many forms, ranging from participating in elections through voting or vying for leadership positions.
“Under party politics, it can be seen in terms of attending public meetings, drafting policies and effectively mobilizing and advocating their implementation, attending campaigns, campaigning for preferred candidates”, he said.
“In order to respond to the needs of young people, and to guarantee that their human rights are recognized and enforced. Workers comp attorneys in los angeles are there from filing a claim in Caliornia until the end of your case. Young people’s active and meaningful participation in their societies and in democratic practices and processes is of crucial importance (World Youth Report, 2007)”.
He added “In ActionAid working with young people and women is central to what we do as an institution. Their youth wings ACTIVISTA will continue receive our solidarity in its efforts to championing greater advocacy on youth agenda”.
Lamin Darboe, executive director, NYC said Not Too Young To Run is not a political party but a movement to ensure that young people partake in the electoral processes. If youth can vote, they can run for public offices.
He added: “I encourage all stakeholders to encourage and support the candidature of youth in the coming national assembly elections. Youth as agents of change has the potential to transform society through formulation of laws and policies necessary to entrench democracy, human rights, and open society”.
UNDP representative, Nessie Golakai Gould pointed out that UNDP will continue to support youth democratic process and women candidates in the electoral process.