The population of Afghanistan is very young: according to the United Nations, more than half of Afghans are under 16 years old and more than 70 percent under 25 years old. Many youth political organizations have emerged since 2001, including “Afghanistan 1400”, a national civil society movement aiming to create a political platform for the new generation across the country. There exists a strong fragmentation of youth organizations depending on geographical factors and political views: some are aligned with political parties whereas others strive to be independent.
According to the United States Institute of Peace, youth participation in the political debate and elections is increasing but old-guard networks and power brokers still maintain a strong influence in order to keep political control. Many barriers to meaningful political participation of the youth remain and changes to the status quo in the country are needed to ensure a successful demographic transition.
Resources :
PDF : Conference of Strengthening Youth Political Participation (FEFA: 2016)
PDF : Youth and Election: Report of Awareness Workshops (FEFA: 2015)
PDF : Declaration of Substantive Principles on Women and Youth Meaningful Participation in Election (FEFA: 2016)
Link : Afghanistan 1400 website
Link : “Youth Mobilization and Political Constraints in Afghanistan”, USIP, January 2014
Link : “A Rough Guide to Afghan Youth Politics”, USIP, April 2014