It is a watch word that youth are both current and future leaders. However, in most countries in the world today, most youths are excluded from participating in elections as candidates because of the huge deposits required to participate. Huge deposits to be paid for candidates in presidential, parliamentary and council elections pose a barrier to participation of young people in these elections.
Section 26(b) of the Constitution, which should be included in all constitutions states:
“Every citizen of The Gambia of full age and capacity shall have the right, without unreasonable restrictions to vote and stand for elections at genuine periodic elections for public office, which elections shall be by universal and equal suffrage and be held by secret ballot.”
It is unreasonable and unjustifiable to fix very exorbitant sums as deposits and still advocate for participation of youths in elections.
