In this November 2006 file photo, youths are attending the launch of the National Youth Service Day at the Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston. The Electoral Office of Jamaica recently conducted a survey of youths seeking explanations for the political apathy among them. - File

Edmond Campbell, News Coordinator

Youth leaders from across the country have placed on record some of the reasons why apathy among young adults in the political system has been growing in Jamaica.

Concerned about the high level of non-registration by young people between the ages of 18 and 25, the Electoral Commission of Jamaica held a consultation with 150 youth leaders islandwide, in February, and elicited various responses, which were compiled in a report. Management consultants, Growth Facilitators, chaired the discussion.

Asked to submit reasons why a large number of young people in the specified age group did not vote, the youth leaders' responses included lack of confidence in the political process; lack of opportunities; suitability of candidates; fear of violence; Constitution not updated; no unity between the two parties; and, inadequate information on the electoral process.

Corruption

The young people also argued that corruption in the security forces created mistrust in the political system; and a lack of accountability from parliamentarians also discouraged them from voting.

Promises not kept by politicians and the absence of vision among the country's political leadership were also submitted as reasons for not voting.

Many youth leaders believethat "there is nothing to vote for", while others "feel used and neglected". But it was also mentioned that "it's traditional that rural young people don't vote".

On the issue of voter registration, several youth representatives said they refused to get registered to avoid jury duties and to avoid being fingerprinted.

Once registered, there is the view that depending on the community in which a person lives, "you are forced to vote for a particular party".

Suggesting actions that could motivate young people to vote, the youth leaders say the Electoral Office of Jamaica should organise more seminars and workshops to inform the youth of the benefits of voting.

They also want the Prime Minister to have dialogue with the youth so that they can be involved in the decision-making process.

Youth leaders also want assurances from the political directorate that after voting, they would see benefits. Stricter enforcement of the Political Code of Conduct was also listed among the proposals for action.