Assessing the Progress of Youth Political Participation and its Impact on Democracy: A Case Study of 2024 Elections of Pakistan

Abstract

This study examines youth political participation in Pakistan, specifically focusing on the 2024 elections. It explores how active youth engagement can enhance democratic consolidation and assesses the level of youth involvement during the elections as compared to previous elections of Pakistan. Targeting Pakistani youth aged 18 to 29, the data was collected from a sample of representative youth voters across different provinces of Pakistan. The survey included questions on voting behavior, political engagement, and perceptions of democracy, with validity ensured through expert review and piloting, and reliability assessed using test-retest methods. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the responses. Key findings reveal a significant increase in youth voter turnout (about 48%) during the 2024 elections, with youth participation extending beyond voting to active involvement in political discourses and campaigns. This trend indicates a positive shift toward a more vibrant and participatory democracy. The study suggests recommendations such as encouraging youth participation and empowering youth through civic education