Ramallah: Human Rights and Democracy Media Center “SHAMS” organized a meeting on the role of reconciliation’s men in promoting youth and women participation in the local elections. A number of reconciliation’s men and informal judges joined the meeting from the different Palestinian governorates. The youth activist Hussein Othman initiated the meeting and assured the importance of endorsing youth and women participation in the local elections. He mentioned that relationship between youth and the elderly is controlled and influenced by the prevailing cultural system or the social environment. It indicates a reflection of the patriarchal surroundings existing in a transitional society under the Israeli occupation. Which restrict the process of social and cultural changes through its challenges on the economic level, which represents the primary base. The meeting was held in collaboration with the Central Election Commission CEC, and funded by the European Union.
Participants emphasized that despite the importance of factional activity and contribution to formulating the electoral lists however, reconciliation’s men assume a significant role in restricting differences in viewpoints and calling youth and women for effective participation in the elections. Additionally, they assured that having electoral lists within borders of the local authorities is correct, and may grant the voter diverse choices for serving the homeland and the welfare. In addition, they mentioned that it is important to conduct the elections due to its significance in forming a new stage for Palestinians, and a new stage in practicing democracy and getting involved in decision-making by local governments resulting from the elections.
Participants added that youth assumes a great responsibility in this phase in contributing to the successful competition of elections since youth push towards reform, positive change and building. They added that young people are required to participate in decision-making, elections and selecting good members who are capable to address the concerns of citizens and upgrade institutional work. Youth participation will result in selecting local governments with comprehensive programs aiming to find suitable solutions and to improve the status of provided services.
In other regard, participants criticized the absence of youth in the electoral lists since their participation is not only a constitutional right, but also a national duty. No one could prevent youth from practicing their right however, they should change this right into a duty and a responsibility on their shoulders for the sake of public affair. They clarified that youth and women are positive partners within political life, and we believe that effective participation and contribution will be achieved by respecting them as special categories with its own vision. Youth and women are characterized by openness, enthusiasm and creativity to be employed for human and social development.
Consequently, promoting youth and women participation in managing local affairs through elections represents a shift in the aspired political reform and political participation. Participants added that in spite of paying attention for youth by the elderly but there is an existing gap between them. This gap resulted from the trust in capacities, absence of plans and programs necessary for education and rehabilitation. In addition to internal reasons pertaining to the social and cultural heritage, values, traditions and customs, the structure of the community, family, social openness and nature of the political system. Such conditions have restricted youth roles and increased crisis among youth like unemployment, the law standards of living and absence of organizations that pay attention to youth.