In the same way as its sub-Saharan African neighbors, Madagascar has a young population, with 60% of Malagasy labeled as young people. Contrary to what one might think, they constitute an “invisible majority” when it comes to the decision-making process and the political landscape in general.

In its Generation 2030 Africa 2.0 report[1], UNICEF argues that Madagascar is listed among the 36 pre-dividend African countries. That means that they can reap the demographic dividend if they implement policies to that end, so that the next generation can carry the country and does not become a burden, generating other social issues.

When we talk about politics in Madagascar, "how to achieve the common good and improve public services" is not exactly the first thing that comes to our mind, but rather the political quarrels and information warfare between the different political factions in Madagascar. And that is not new. Voter turnout has kept falling for almost 20 years now. The table[2] below summarizes the elections held in Madagascar over the past two decades.

The latest legislative elections were clearly a show of dissent for the political class. The average turnout at the national level was 31 percent. We recorded a maximum of 56% and a minimum of 10% of voters who deigned to make it to the polling stations on election day.  In view of this, it is difficult to be optimistic about the forthcoming elections.

Towards the implosion of the Malagasy democratic system...

Indeed, social challenges such as unemployment, malnutrition, education and training, climate change, are too often hidden in the political speeches and discussions in Madagascar. These challenges made the Greta launch climate strikes and Nigerian youth the #NotTooYoungToRun campaign. And there are many other initiatives around the world, and especially in Africa.

What role for youth in politics in Madagascar? I would say that it is about ensuring the most important function in a democracy, that of "citizen".

"The most important political office is that of the private citizen." – Louis D. Brandeis

Today more than ever, Madagascar needs active and determined citizens to advocate for positive change. As young people, we must express a new political demand responding to our present and future challenges. The political market in Madagascar has long been imposed by the politicians’ offer. Given the large number of young people^[3] on the electoral list, it is possible for us to change the story and re-shuffle the cards.

[1] https://www.unicef.org/reports/generation-2030-africa-20

[2] Réglementation du financement des partis politiques et des campagnes électorales Étude comparative des pratiques en espace francophone Manuel Wally, PhD, LLB, Décembre 2016

[3] https://www.un.org/youthenvoy/2013/08/remarks-to-the-economic-and-social-council-youth-forum-shaping-tomorrows-innovators-leveraging-science-technology-innovation-and-culture-for-todays-youth/