The year 2024 is seen as a crucial moment for the democratic life of our country. On June 2, millions of citizens will go to the polls to elect 19,634 local officials and 629 federal positions, including the Presidency of the Republic. Amid the current political turmoil, the responsibility falls on us as citizens to turn Election Day into a smooth, peaceful, and civic celebration. This should be a clear demonstration that in a democracy, The real decision makers are the voters.
Our vote will not only determine who will hold public office, it will also give us the opportunity to present our agenda for inclusion in government plans. The real challenge lies in establishing an effective relationship between citizens and authorities, addressing challenges in an innovative way and rebuilding a climate of serene and reflective dialogue and debate. It is essential to build agreements that transcend divisions and allow us all to contribute to finding solutions for the country. It is not simply about supporting the winning candidates, but about establishing mutual commitments that are fulfilled in an environment of collaboration and co-responsibility. It is crucial to overcome dogmas and understand that the current situation in the country requires returning to the democratic path and even promoting a new Federal Pact in a climate of civility.
Once in the government or in a legislative chamber, it is a priority to prioritize dialogue and unite the efforts and intelligence of the various actors, both at the local and macro levels, in the formulation of public policies. It must be recognized that the support of society can drive essential changes and transformations. According to the National Study of Public Opinion in Young People carried out by the civil organization Mexico Choose (February, 2024), 84.4% of young people between 18 and 24 years old and 87.8% of between 25 and 39 years old believe that they can generate a change in current politics if they actively participate.
In this electoral context, it is essential to build bridges with the candidates to empower young people and ensure their full participation in the direction of the country. History teaches us that youth have been drivers of paradigm shifts over time, from student movements to social pressures to demand justice and changes in public policies. According to the same study, 70.3% of young people between 18 and 24 years old and 62.7% of between 25 and 39 years old have not participated in marches or protests to express their political opinions.
Despite this, parties and candidates have not yet managed to effectively connect with this sector of the population, despite their rebellious and critical nature. The study also reveals that 51.43% of young people between 18 and 24 years old and 54.6% of between 25 and 39 years old do not believe that politicians adequately represent the interests of young people in Mexico.
It is essential that young people continue to be involved in the practice of democratic values and participate in deliberations in institutional spaces to contribute to the solution of the issues that interest them.n. 55.3% of young people between 18 and 24 years old and 57.7% of between 25 and 39 years old have not participated in political debates/discussions on social networks. Furthermore, 69.1% of young people between 18 and 24 years old and 66.4% of young people between 25 and 39 years old consider that there should be more young people (20-39 years old) in political positions.
On the Platform, we highlight the energy of young people, who show us how to overcome their personal situations and contribute to addressing social problems, becoming key actors in the formulation of public policies. In the Voices section, opportunity young people share their experiences and proposals on four fundamental topics on the public employability agenda. In the experiences section, the richness of the collaborative process for collective advocacy is presented. In addition, we have created a new section called “Youth in the world”, where we see how the youth agenda of opportunity and the search for alternatives in this generation knows no borders. We observe that many youth perspectives coincide, as well as public policies that generate a positive impact, and we strive to give them visibility.
The great opportunity for young people lies in participating in various social, economic, cultural and political spheres, recognizing that they are active agents for the construction of a dignified life. In conclusion, the active participation of young people in democratic life is essential both for their individual and collective development and for the construction of a just and equitable society.