The average age of members of the European Parliament elected in 2019 is 49 and a half years old. When comparing the minimum age required to vote with the minimum age to run for office, there is a noticeable imbalance: nearly half of the 27 EU member states require candidates to be at least 21 years old, but all European states allow voting for a younger age group (16-20 year olds) who are not represented by candidates of the same age. This imbalance seems almost “structural.” It is a global trend that the average age of political classes tends to be higher than that of the electorate, leading to a lack of representation among the younger population. This can have consequences such as policies that favor the interests of older people and a decrease in youth voter turnout, which in turn may lead parties to focus even more on older voters in a vicious cycle.
As the European elections approach, it is important to be informed and prepared to vote. In order to increase youth participation and ensure a more balanced representation in political institutions, it is crucial to address the age disparity among candidates and voters. Encouraging young people to become more involved in politics and supporting initiatives that promote youth representation can help to bridge this gap and ensure that policies are more reflective of the diverse needs and perspectives of the population as a whole. By raising awareness of the importance of youth engagement in the democratic process, there is an opportunity to create a more inclusive and representative political system.
In many countries around the world, there is a trend of political classes being older than the general population, which can lead to a lack of representation and a focus on the interests of older voters. This imbalance can have negative consequences, such as policies that do not adequately address the needs of younger generations and a decrease in youth voter turnout. To counteract this trend, it is important to encourage younger people to become more involved in politics and to support initiatives that promote youth representation in the political arena. By engaging young people in the democratic process, there is an opportunity to create a more diverse and inclusive political landscape that truly represents the interests of all citizens.
One of the key factors contributing to the discrepancy between the age of political representatives and the electorate is the age requirement for candidacy in different countries. While many countries have a minimum age requirement of 21 or higher to run for office, the voting age is often lower, leaving a gap in representation for younger voters. This structural imbalance in age requirements can lead to policies that do not adequately address the needs and concerns of younger generations, as well as a lack of engagement from young voters in the political process. By addressing this age disparity and promoting greater youth representation in political institutions, there is an opportunity to create a more inclusive and representative democracy that truly reflects the diversity of the population.
In the lead-up to the European elections, it is important for voters to be informed and prepared to make their voices heard. By understanding the impact of age disparities in political representation, voters can make more informed choices and support candidates and policies that reflect the interests and concerns of all age groups. By encouraging greater youth participation in the political process and supporting initiatives that promote youth representation, there is an opportunity to create a more inclusive and representative democracy that truly reflects the diversity of the population. Ultimately, by addressing the age imbalance in political institutions, there is a chance to create a more vibrant and responsive democracy that serves the needs of all citizens, regardless of age.
