Young professionals - politics : Mauritian Youth less interested in voting

The number of youth getting involved in politics shows a decline; this was confirmed by the electoral commissioner Irfan Rahman recently. While political experts as well as some leaders are talking about rejuvenation in the political system, the reality looks totally different. Why is this the case? The young blood provides answers to this pertinent question. 

Aniketsing Mundloll : “Young people have lost trust in our politicians”

Aniketsing Mundloll makes a case tackling the political situation in Mauritius today. He opines that young people have lost trust in our politicians because of their empty campaign promises.  “Politicians make lots of promises during the electoral campaign but once they form the government, they depart from their original goals and camouflage deceit as truth. Moreover, the number of corruption cases that have cropped up since Independence is very alarming.  

A prominent example is that of honest youngsters who work very hard, take loans and make lots of sacrifices in order to be able to acquire a plot of land and build a house, but five to six years back, we were witnesses as to how a huge portion of land close to an eastern beach was distributed to political agents and the party’s affiliates. This favoritism is very frustrating, which leads young people to dismiss politics altogether.”

Daveen Persand : “Mauritian politics has become a dynasty”

Daveen Persand highlights how changes are occurring fast in the world, especially with technology at the helm of information. “Mauritian politics has become a dynasty. The young people are tired to see the same names ruling them for decades. It feels like a never-ending game of musical chair with the same players and the same dull music.

The youth are becoming more and more educated and the usual short-sighted promises by the political parties no longer work on them, as they begin to realise that the system is in dire need of change. Technology has outpaced politicians. Information is more and more easily available making the youth less prone to be influenced by propaganda and mud-slinging attempts.”

Yadhav Kumar Nundlall : “Youngsters fail to realize that their votes have power”

Yadhav Kumar Nundlall thinks that young people feel neglected by the system. He addresses lots of issues related most specifically to government expenses. “Youngsters fail to realize that their votes have power. They feel that their individual vote doesn’t matter, and not knowing enough about the various candidates or not being able to relate to them are other factors that make them disinclined to vote.

The reality is that votes do matter; we see many elections that are decided by a few hundred votes or even a few dozen votes. However, not doing so only further aggravates the problem for each new election cycle. A possible solution would be to introduce political campaigns targeting young voters.”

Rajnee Juganaidoo : “The youth are unaware of their rights”

Rajnee Juganaidoo deplores the fact that the new generation eligible for voting not only shows absolute disregard for voting but are also not totally aware of their rights.  “It is undeniable that young voters normally between the ages of 18 and 29 neglect the importance of voting, but their voice is an important one on both sides of the aisle. However, most of our young people do not like to vote, as they are not encouraged to do so. Those who are contacted by campaigns are more likely to discuss an election and show some interest.”

She adds that “a State’s laws related to voter registration and voting can have an impact on youth voter turnout. Young people should be encouraged to discover why politics and voting matters by showing them how the issues they feel concerned about need to be addressed.  Engage them in advocacy for policies that make it easier to vote where they could feel they invested in changing the system.”

Mishal Reebye : “It’s high time to empower and motivate youngsters”

Mishal Reebye paints a pathetic picture as things are with young people, from the brain drain to indifference towards politics. “Young Mauritians today are becoming more disconnected and oblivious to politics. Many are even seeking opportunities overseas. The notion of brain drain is becoming more prevalent and something drastic needs to be done to change the political climate in Mauritius. Today’s youth is fundamental; ultimately they will be the citizens to help shape tomorrow.

However, the situation has become alarming and youngsters are not naïve. They are frustrated because they don’t feel like they are part of a genuine democracy. If there was a fair and impartial system of meritocracy, it would have meant that anyone deserving could choose to make a difference to this country, not based on their surname, political affiliation, network or social status.”

Mokshada Bohoorun : “Our political system is unappealing”

As Mokshada Bohoorun sees it, individualism is ruling our society today, which gives rise to a distancing from political involvement. “It is no secret that our current political system is unappealing to our young adults. Millennials wish to make a difference, which can be seen happening. Just like everything else, even politics has become a matter of preference, the interest in voting is no more a civic obligation among our young adults, it is more of a personal choice, thus giving rise to individualism.”

She avers that less than 50% of our young generation is considered to be patriotic. “The increase in individualism has given the marginalized people a chance to make their voices heard and hence, making us a more tolerant nation.”