Elections in MENA: Youth as the Key to Change

Sixty-five elections were held around the globe in 2024. What emerged from these polls was the realization that global democracy is at a critical juncture, especially with the disturbing trend of tyrants manipulating electoral systems to maintain their filthy grip on power. From Russia to Venezuela, from India to Bangladesh, from Georgia to Rwanda, elections in various nations ruled by authoritarian regimes have been marred by electoral fraud and voter intimidation or suppression. In many cases, these rulers have used state-controlled media, election law manipulation , and surveillance tactics to suppress opposition and limit free expression. The international community has watched as authoritarianism deepens, with proof of rigged or stolen elections becoming increasingly common. This new situation  represents not just a threat to the basic rights and freedoms of citizens all over the world, but to the very ideals of democratic governance that have long been a hallmark of the post-World War II global order. As 2024 comes to a close, it’s clear that the struggle for fair elections and democracy is far from over.

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Authoritarian regimes in the Middle East and North Africa region have historically controlled election outcomes to strengthen their hold on power, present a facade of legitimacy, or gain insights into public opinion. Despite the dominance of authoritarians in the region, millions of citizens of Algeria, Tunisia, Jordan, Syria, and Kuwait mobilized to participate in — and protest — elections in 2024. 

While the dictatorial rulers of these countries made significant gains — incumbents held onto power in Algeria and Tunisia, and Kuwait’s emir unilaterally dissolved the popularly elected National Assembly — citizens mobilized to express their political choices and concerns. In particular, youth engagement has become a powerful force across the region, as young people — who make up about 55% of the population — continue to participate actively in politics, demonstrating that even amid disillusionment, their political involvement holds the potential to bring renewed hope and drive change in future elections.

Kuwait 

With 70% of Kuwait’s population under the age of 35, youth in Kuwait are a potent political force pushing for genuine reform. This generation has taken a central role in political activism, often aligning with older reformists and civil society leaders to organize both online and offline movements demanding accountability, transparency, and fair representation. In the April elections — noted for being competitive and allowing genuine participation — young people used social media and technology to circumvent censorship and strengthen their voices, leading to high voter turnout among youth and a significant increase in young candidates entering parliament.

Many Kuwaiti youth, including a majority of younger parliament members, reject the traditional undemocratic tactics often seen in the country’s politics, instead championing inclusive policies and reforms, such as opposing the exclusion of the Bidoon social class from political efforts. Analysts suggest that this youth-driven opposition movement, with its growing influence, may have contributed to the emir’s decision to dissolve parliament in May, marking the 12th dissolution since 2006, seeing it as a threat to his authority. As Kuwait’s largest and most politically engaged demographic, the youth will remain a vital force in shaping the nation’s future, especially as they continue to harness the power of collective action in the face of democratic backsliding.

Jordan

Although Jordan’s mainstream opposition, the Islamic Action Front (IAF), won its largest bloc in history with 31 out of 138 seats in the September elections for the House of Representatives, King Abdullah II controls the executive government and appoints all 65 members of the more powerful Senate, who debate, amend, and approve legislation originating in the lower house. The regime’s strict hold over governance has many Jordanian voters disillusioned. This year’s elections saw just 32% of eligible voters participate, down from a high of 57% in the 2013 elections. Jordan’s youth — who make up two-thirds of the population and 45% of eligible voters in the 2024 election — remain the most disaffected group, with only 4% of youth reporting “high interest” in parliamentary politics.

Still, today’s youth in Jordan, poised to make up nearly the entirety of the electorate by 2032, remain politically mobilized in contentious politics outside of the electoral sphere, even amid increasing crackdowns on the freedom to dissent throughout the last year. If the monarchy hopes to see genuine results from its 2022 reforms that promise to increase party pluralism and strength in politics through elections, more must be done to incorporate youth voices into policymaking and bridge the kingdom’s youth participation gap. 

Tunisia

In the lead-up to the Oct. 6 presidential election, governmental decisions impeded electoral integrity, causing heightened concern among Tunisians. The Independent High Authority for Elections contributed to the president’s suppression efforts toward opposition candidates and the Administrative Court, rigging the election. These efforts include the acceptance of only three candidacy files, with one belonging to President Kais Saied and another to candidate Ayachi Zammel, who was arrested shortly after the final list was announced in September. 

Tunisia’s youth population contributes to nearly 40% of the total population. As election day neared, youth and civil society organizations mobilized and protested against Saied’s actions to undermine their right to a free and fair election, with Sept. 13 seeing as many as thousands of demonstrators. Protesters aged between 18 and 29 played a significant role, exceeding the number of organizers aged 30 and above. Research also suggests that youth engagement during this time was higher than global standards. Civil society organizations, such as the Tunisian Network for Rights, a new coalition of civil society organizations and political parties, played a crucial role in Tunisia as they functioned as “a democratic and peaceful channel to convey citizen demands to the power in place.” Tunisian youth and civil society organizations are the key to countering the regime’s effort to erode democratic rights and breathe life to the ongoing campaign calling for democratic reform. 

The future of countries around the world is in the hands of the youth. Throughout the MENA region, it is vital for youth and civil society organizations to remain proactive in political mobilization. Their efforts to promote and create long-term democratic change for their generation will also inspire other generations to do the same. This year’s elections across MENA demonstrate how the potential for change lies with the people, especially the youth and civil society leaders who are courageous enough to stand up to the suppressive actions of their rulers.