By: Maleeha Irfan
ISLAMABAD: The new data from Gallup Pakistan’s exit poll unveiled a remarkable surge in youth involvement in the electoral process, signaling a pivotal moment for the nation’s democracy.
Comparing data from the 2024 General Election with historical trends, Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency -PILDAT underscored unprecedented progress in youth voter engagement. The figures revealed a staggering 11-percentage-point increase in youth voter turnout, soaring to an all-time high of 48% in 2024 from 37% in 2018. This surge reflects the efficacy of strategic initiatives aimed at empowering and amplifying youth voices within the democratic framework.
A notable historic development emerged as the Youth Voter Turnout nearly matched the overall voter turnout. Unlike previous trends where youth participation lag behind, 2024 witnessed a convergence, signifying a significant shift. This contrasted starkly with past elections, where the gap between Youth Voter Turnout and Overall Voter Turnout ranged from 5 to 29 percentage points.
While the overall voter turnout in the 2024 elections experienced a slight dip compared to the previous General Election in 2018 (52.1%), the substantial increase in estimated youth voter turnout offered encouraging prospects. This positive trend is attributed to the concerted efforts of various institutions and organizations, including PILDAT, dedicated to fostering democratic participation.
The surge in youth engagement not only reflects a maturing democracy but also signifies a collective stride towards a more inclusive and representative political landscape in Pakistan.”