DEAEP for Inclusive Multiparty Forums
Challenge
Africa is experiencing a democratic paradox. Despite having a young and dynamic population, the political institutions designed to harness this demographic dividend are increasingly inaccessible to most citizens. High costs of political participation, widespread youth disengagement, and top-down public engagement strategies have created a disconnect between governments and their people, particularly the youth. This report examines these challenges and outlines actionable policy recommendations to address them.
Key Challenges Identified
1. Cost of Active and Inactive Democratic Participation
Engaging in democratic processes, whether actively or passively, often entails direct or indirect costs. Increasingly, the refusal to participate in democratic processes has become a form of resistance and a signal of discontent. Disillusionment with political systems has led many individuals to withdraw, viewing participation as either futile or burdensome. This disengagement is further fueled by logistical barriers such as lack of transportation to voting or participation sites and a lack of civic and political education. These challenges compound frustration and reinforce a sense of alienation from democratic institutions.
Although youth constitute the majority of Africa’s population[1], they are increasingly disengaged from the political process. This disengagement is driven by mistrust in political institutions, a sense of futility, and the perception that their voices are not valued. Consequently, there is widespread apathy and significant underrepresentation of youth interests in governance.
2. Top-Down Approach to Public Engagement
Governmental public engagements in Africa are often criticized for their top-down approach, where decisions are made by a small elite and communicated to the public without sufficient dialogue. This approach hinders genuine input from communities and excludes diverse perspectives, particularly those of the youth. The resulting disconnect between governments and their constituencies leads to policies that fail to address the needs of the majority and a lack of transparent and accountable governance.
[1] United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. World Youth Report: Youth and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 2018
Proposal
The DEAEP focuses on mitigating the challenges highlighted by implementing targeted recommendations designed to foster civic education, promote inclusivity, and establish transparent, accountable public engagement. The policy will address the aforementioned issues through the following proposed actions:
The policy objective is to establish forums that promote open participation from all political parties, opposition members, and civil society organisations (CSOs) as safe spaces for diverse voices to be heard. The action plan includes organising quarterly public dialogue sessions involving all political parties, CSOs, and community members, ensuring these forums are held in accessible locations and digitally broadcasted to allow for wider participation. Additionally, a standardised feedback mechanism will be created to record, document, and address community concerns within a given timeframe by the relevant government agencies.
Recommendations: Public Reporting Mechanisms
The policy objective is to implement regular public reporting through community public boards and digital platforms to keep communities informed about government actions and decisions. The action plan mandates the publication of regular public reports detailing government activities, spending, and policy outcomes. It also includes establishing community public boards across localities where citizens can access, discuss, and scrutinize these reports. Youth participation will be encouraged on these boards to ensure their perspectives are included in the feedback process.
Recommendations: Civic Education Campaigns
The policy objective is to launch campaigns that inform communities about the importance of political participation and the consequences of political disengagement. To achieve this, the action plan includes partnering with schools, local media outlets, and civil society organisations (CSOs) to design and implement educational programs tailored to different age groups and demographics. Civic education materials will be developed and disseminated to highlight the impact of political disengagement on governance and democracy. Schools, universities, and youth organisations will be engaged to integrate civic education into curricula and community programs, while social media and other digital platforms will be utilised to reach a wider youth audience with targeted messages emphasising the significance of their involvement in the political process.
Recommendations: Youth Incentive Programs
The policy objective is to encourage and reward youth engagement in politics through government internships and funding for youth-focused Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). The action plan includes establishing government internships specifically for young people, offering hands-on experience in governance and policy-making, and creating a solidarity fund to support youth-focused CSOs that advocate for youth interests and engage in civic education. Additionally, awards and recognition programs will be introduced to honour young individuals and groups that demonstrate exceptional civic and political engagement.
Implementation Strategy
The success of these policy recommendations depends on a coordinated effort between governments, civil society, and international partners. Implementation should follow a phased approach, beginning with pilot programs in select regions or countries, followed by scaling up based on lessons learned. Continuous monitoring and evaluation should be built into the process to ensure that the policies are achieving their intended outcomes and to make adjustments as needed.
Impact
The Democratic Engagement and Accountability Enhancement Policy is expected to significantly improve civic and political education by fostering an inclusive, participatory environment where citizens are continually informed about their democratic rights and responsibilities. Through mechanisms like inclusive multiparty forums, civic education campaigns, and transparent reporting, this policy would make political education more accessible and relevant. It would empower citizens to understand the consequences of political disengagement, encourage informed voting, and promote active participation in public proceedings. This ongoing engagement ensures that civic education moves beyond theoretical knowledge to practical, real-world application, making political education both effective and realistic.