The Youth Vote Crisis?

THE YOUTH VOTE CRISIS ARE WE LISTENING TO GEN Z? Video Link : https://youtu.be/1Mxxw-Vip_w Generation Z represents a powerful demographic force in the #Maldives. With over 20% of the population falling into this group and thousands reaching voting age each year, Gen Z holds the potential to shape the nation’s future. Yet, their presence at the polls tells a different story. Despite making up a large share of the working-age population, young Maldivians aged 18–24 are voting at significantly lower rates than older generations. In the 2023 presidential elections, more than 56,000 eligible voters chose not to cast a ballot in the first round alone. This generation is not just underrepresented — they’re disengaged. The question is why. Are public policies failing to reflect their needs, or are political platforms simply not reaching them? This video was produced with the support of Strengthening Peace & Democracy through Internews Europe.