OVERVIEW

Youth involvement in politics has gained significant momentum in recent years, fueled by growing activism, digital engagement, and global movements for justice and democracy. Young people are increasingly vocal and visible in civic spaces, demanding accountability, equity, and meaningful change. However, this rising political awareness has not yet translated into equitable representation in formal political institutions.

Despite comprising roughly a quarter of the global population, individuals aged 15 to 29 account for less than 3% of parliamentarians worldwide.¹ This stark disparity underscores the persistent barriers young people face in accessing leadership roles, from restrictive age requirements and financial hurdles to institutional resistance and societal stereotypes. 

In Asia, the urgency of addressing youth underrepresentation is particularly pressing. The region is home to more than half of the world’s young people, yet this demographic dividend is not reflected in its political institutions.² Asian youth often find themselves sidelined in decision-making despite their active engagement in civic movements, social justice campaigns, and digital activism. From Southeast Asia to South Asia, young people are shaping the public discourse, but meaningful political access remains limited.

While several countries have taken steps to promote youth participation—through quotas, youth parliaments, and targeted policy reforms—progress remains uneven and often symbolic._³ Too often, youth engagement is confined to the margins rather than embedded within mainstream political structures.

This issue of Data Dive examines the state of youth representation in politics, shedding light on key demographic trends, the depth of underrepresentation, and the barriers that prevent meaningful participation. It also highlights policy innovations and reform pathways aimed at building a more inclusive, youth-empowered political landscape.

1. Structural and Legal Barriers

• Age Restrictions – High minimum age requirements limit opportunities for young leaders.
• Legal and Structural Hurdles – High registration fees and complex nomination procedures create additional obstacles.
• Institutional Barriers – Bureaucratic systems and rules favoring incumbents make entry into politics difficult for newcomers.

2. Financial and Resource Constraints

• Financial Constraints – The high cost of campaigning makes it difficult for young candidates to compete without significant funding.
• Limited Party Backing – Established parties often prioritize experienced candidates, reducing support for youth aspirants.

3. Social Perceptions and Bias

• Perceptions and Stereotypes – Young candidates are often seen as inexperienced or incapable.
• Voter Skepticism – Older voters may doubt the competence of younger candidates.
• Media Bias – Media tends to focus on sensationalism, downplaying youth platforms and reinforcing negative narratives.

4. Gaps in Support Systems

• Lack of Mentorship – Limited access to experienced mentors restricts the guidance and support young leaders need to grow.
• Weak Political Networks – Young aspirants often lack entry into influential political networks, reducing their visibility and opportunities.

Engaged but Excluded: Youth, Activism, and Power in Asia

In the Philippines, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) is a formal platform for youth participation in local governance, offering early exposure to leadership and civic engagement.⁸ Since its establishment, the SK has gone through significant reforms, most notably through the SK Reform Act of 2015 (Republic Act No. 10742).⁹ This landmark law introduced safeguards such as anti-political dynasty provisions, mandatory leadership training, and dedicated funding for youth programs through a separate SK budget drawn from the barangay’s general fund. While it is recognized for representing youth interests, its impact is often limited by issues like political patronage, low awareness, and time constraints.¹⁰ Studies suggest improving youth engagement through stronger advocacy, better communication, and initiatives focused on poverty, education, and mental health.¹¹

In Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, youth-led movements have been pivotal in mobilizing civic action and challenging entrenched political norms. In Bangladesh, for instance, youth activism has played a central role in major political moments, from the Shahbagh protests¹² to digital campaigns and mass students-led protests against corruption and inequality.¹³ Similarly, in Sri Lanka, the Aragalaya movement showcased how young people can lead mass mobilizations demanding democratic reforms, transparency, and accountability.¹⁴

Across South and Southeast Asia, other countries reflect similar dynamics. In India, students and youth have been at the forefront of social justice campaigns—from anti-corruption movements to protests for democratic rights and minority protections—though few youth leaders have successfully transitioned into formal political roles.¹⁵ In Indonesia, while youth turnout in elections is high and young people are active in civic initiatives, barriers such as entrenched political dynasties and limited party openings have restricted their direct representation in legislatures.¹⁶ In Nepal, youth have been at the heart of the People’s Movement and the country’s constitutional transformation.¹⁷ They are highly engaged in civil society, grassroots mobilization, and local activism. However, despite their active involvement, young people remain significantly underrepresented in formal political institutions. Major political parties often overlook youth when selecting candidates for competitive or influential positions, limiting their access to real decision-making power.

Despite their influence in shaping political narratives and public discourse, these movements often remain disconnected from formal political structures, with limited pathways for sustained youth representation in legislative and decision-making bodies. Thus, in all these contexts—much like in the Philippines—this energy is often not institutionalized into lasting political representation, leaving a gap between civic engagement and formal political influence.

CONCLUSION

As the world’s population grows increasingly younger, the gap between youth potential and political representation becomes ever more urgent to address. While progress has been made through quotas, youth parliaments, and emerging reform agendas, systemic and structural barriers continue to marginalize young voices in decision-making spaces. Unlocking the full power of youth requires intentional, inclusive, and intersectional reforms that go beyond symbolism and translate into real political access and influence. 

In the Asian context, where youth form the backbone of the population and social movements, building stronger institutional pathways for youth engagement is vital. Experiences from the Philippines, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and other Asian countries underscore the potential of youth when provided with platforms—formal or informal—to lead change. To ensure these movements evolve into sustained political representation, regional cooperation and country-specific reforms must prioritize meaningful inclusion of young voices at all levels.

ANFREL remains committed to supporting youth leadership through initiatives like the Asian Academy for Electoral Integrity, a platform that nurtures young advocates to lead the charge for democratic reform across Asia. For those interested in a deeper conversation on this issue, our latest episode of The Election Observer explores stories of young changemakers transforming politics in their communities—proving that when given the space, youth don’t just participate, they lead.

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1 IPU Parline; https://data.ipu.org/age-brackets-aggregate/?region=0&structure=&date_month=3&date_year=2025
2 https://china.unfpa.org/en/statement/22071101
3 To enhance youth participation in politics, several countries have introduced quota systems aimed at improving their representation. Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, and Uganda, among others, have adopted various forms of youth quotas. While the specific designs differ, these measures generally fall into three main categories: reserved seats established through constitutional or legislative provisions, legal candidate quotas mandated by law, and voluntary quotas implemented by political parties. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the importance of integrating young voices into formal political processes; https://aceproject.org/ace-en/topics/yt/yt20/quotas-for-youth
4 https://www.worldometers.info/demographics/world-demographics/
5 https://www.visualcapitalist.com/cp/visualized-heads-of-state-each-country-by-age/
6 https://www.visualcapitalist.com/cp/visualized-heads-of-state-each-country-by-age/
7 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/can-you-guess-the-age-of-a-leader-based-on-the-average-age-of-countrys-people/articleshow/81275841.cms
8 The Sangguniang Kabataan or youth council is the governing body of the youth assembly or Katipunan ng Kabataan of every barangay. They are elected by the members of the Katipunan ng Kabataan in elections conducted by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC); https://jagna.gov.ph/info-resources/special-bodies/sangguniang-kabataan/#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20SK?,Commission%20on%20Elections%20(COMELEC).
9 https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2016/ra_10742_2016.html
10 https://zenodo.org/records/11142943#:~:text=Abstract%20:%20The%20Sangguniang%20Kabataan%20is%20an,Sangguniang%20Kabataan’s%20(SK)%20participation%20in%20local%20government%2C
11 Id.
12 https://thediplomat.com/2024/10/how-the-shahbagh-hefazat-ideological-divide-is-influencing-post-revolution-bangladesh/
13 https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/bangladeshi-students-who-led-protests-against-sheikh-hasina-launch-party-7807545
14 https://freedomhouse.org/article/beyond-protests-sri-lankas-aragalaya-movement-and-uncertain-future
15 https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/a-decade-of-student-protest-in-india-what-made-the-youth-hit-the-streets-124111400978_1.html
16 https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/11/asia/indonesia-election-young-voters-dg/index.html
17 https://indiacurrents.com/a-peoples-movement-in-nepal/; and https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/9/20/nepal-passes-secular-constitution-amid-protests
18 https://academic.oup.com/book/9618/chapter-abstract/156681904?redirectedFrom=fulltext; and https://aceproject.org/ace-en/topics/yt/yt20/quotas-for-youth
19 https://aceproject.org/ace-en/topics/yt/yt20/quotas-for-youth
20 Id.
21 Id.
22 https://www.ipu.org/campaign/pledge-now#Mentoring%20young%20aspirants
23 https://www.ipu.org/campaign/pledge-now#Empowering%20young%20parliamentarians
24 https://www.ipu.org/campaign/pledge-now#Aligning%20the%20age%20of%20eligibility%20with%20that%20of%20voting
25 https://www.ipu.org/campaign/pledge-now#Supporting%20youth%20channels%20in%20parliament
26 https://www.ipu.org/campaign/pledge-now#Advocating%20for%20youth%20participation