ECOWAS WARNS RISING POLITICAL COSTS ARE EXCLUDING WEST AFRICAN YOUTHS

The Economic Community of West African States has raised concerns about the financial, legal and institutional barriers limiting the participation of young people in politics across the region. The regional bloc said the high cost of political participation was making it difficult for many young West Africans to contest elections or take active roles in formal political structures, despite their significant share of the population.

ECOWAS said the situation was being worsened by the financial demands associated with seeking political office, including nomination fees, campaign expenses and other costs connected with electoral contests. According to the bloc, these challenges can prevent young people without substantial financial resources from competing on equal terms with established political actors and can contribute to limited youth representation in elected institutions.

The regional body also pointed to legal and institutional restrictions that affect young people's access to political positions. Age requirements for elective offices vary across West African countries, while political parties and other institutions do not always provide sufficient opportunities for younger people to develop leadership experience or participate meaningfully in decision-making. ECOWAS said addressing these barriers would require stronger measures to create opportunities for youth participation throughout the political process.

The concerns come against the background of a large and increasingly influential youth population across West Africa, with young people playing significant roles in elections, political mobilisation and civic activities. However, youth participation has often been concentrated around campaigning and voting rather than representation in positions where political decisions are made. The high cost of campaigns, limited access to political financing, weak mentoring structures and difficulties securing party support have been identified among the factors affecting the ability of young people to move into elected office.

ECOWAS therefore called for greater efforts by member states, political parties and other stakeholders to create more inclusive political systems that allow qualified young people to participate beyond serving as voters or campaign supporters. The bloc's position adds to continuing discussions across West Africa about electoral reform, political financing and the need to widen access to public office, particularly as the region considers ways of strengthening democratic participation and representation.