Undi18 calls for more youth candidates in Johor election

 

Having successfully lobbied for automatic voters registration and lowering the voting age to 18, the Undi18 movement has urged political parties to field more young candidates and new faces in the upcoming Johor state elections.

The group in a statement said this was as the state elections will see the addition of some 750,000 eligible voters in Johor – of which 175,000 are aged between 18 and 20-years-old – as per the EC's latest voter roll gazetted on Jan 14.

"Political parties should put forward youth candidates in the upcoming election to be involved in the policymaking processes so that they can be involved in the discussion and development of state policy.

"This is in light of the fact that the youth will be the highest percentage voter demographic in the coming elections," said the group in a statement.

At the same time, the group also called on Johorean youths who are 18 years old and above exercise their democratic duty in the upcoming state elections.

To encourage more youth participation, Undi18 said it will be launching the #UndiJohor initiative as a platform to create a new trend in Malaysia's democratic tradition.

"Undi18 will be the new dynamic within our nation’s democratic system due to the increased participation and most importantly will be the crucial litmus test for youth sentiment in the upcoming general elections," said the group.

Several analysts had raised doubt on the impact of Undi18 and automatic voters registration, citing possible low turnout due to a perceived apolitical stand, or overall political fatigue.

The prediction was partly based on the Malacca state election last November with a voter turnout of 65.85 percent, which is lower than three elections preceding it.

Low voter turnout has traditionally benefited BN as they have a solid base of hardcore supporters and older voters who are more likely to make an effort to go to the polls.

 - Mkini