What young SA voters can learn from Liberia and Zambia

Daily MaverickIndependentProgressive3 hr. ago

Ahead of the 2024 General Election in South Africa, an HSRC research survey found that 47% of young people believe their vote won’t make a difference. As the Independent Electoral Commission prepares for a final voter registration round, there is a call to emphasize the importance of youth participation. The article draws parallels between South African youth challenges and those in Liberia and Zambia, where young voters played pivotal roles in recent elections. In Liberia, the 2023 election saw a close race between former president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s party and George Weah’s Unity Party, with a narrow margin of just 7,126 votes. In Zambia, the 2021 election resulted in a decisive victory for opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema, achieving 70.6% voter turnout. These examples highlight how youth engagement can lead to significant political changes, even amid systemic issues like corruption and unemployment.

Bias read (Progressive): The article emphasizes the agency of young voters and frames their participation as a positive force for democratic change. It highlights successful transitions of power in Liberia and Zambia, portraying these outcomes as evidence of youth empowerment. While the article acknowledges challenges like