Sign Now: Launching Youth Petition calling for Palestinian Elections

In the context of the “We Want Elections” campaign within the activities of Yalla Change Program – season four, the Social Developmental Forum (SDF) launched a petition calling to conduct Palestinian elections and inviting all individuals and categories to sign it.

The petition called for the Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas to allow the youth in the Gaza Strip, West Bank and the occupied Jerusalem to participate in public elections as voters and candidates; it says “Youth will not stop seeking to choose whoever represents them democratically and fairly” 

The petition also stated that “The Palestinian youth are more than one million citizens; they form one-third of the Palestinian Society. However, most of them have not participated in public elections. They have not selected the president, members of the Legislative Council or members of local bodies”

Additionally, the petition stressed the fact that youth’s participation in decision-making positions does not exceed 1%, and they do not contribute to public policymaking and national decisions, while the Palestinian Law guarantees them fair, impartial and periodic elections every 4 years. Nonetheless, a large number of young people are deprived of standing for elections for the presidency, legislative council or local bodies due to age constraints.

“We are here in Palestine, and our voice must be heard. We are a million wasted chances that, if invested, would be a power towards community change, national unity, peace and ending the occupation” the petition highlighted. 

Moreover, the petition included major demands like “Reflecting the democratic practice in the State of Palestine by organizing democratic and periodic elections at all levels, according to the governing Palestinian laws, the right to political engagement and fulfilling the 2017-2022 vision ‘citizen is first’, lowering the age of standing for legislative and presidential elections to ensure the effective participation of youth in Palestine, and expanding the base of youth’s participation at decision-making positions”

“We Want Elections” campaign aims to raise community awareness to advocate for strengthening democratic practices, putting pressure on decision-makers to conduct national elections at all levels and promoting youth participation in voting and standing for elections, besides holding public offices without discrimination.