"Bialara": Enhancing Youth Electoral Participation and Calling for Lowering the Candidacy Age

The Palestinian Media and Youth Activation Authority "Bialara" praised the participation of citizens in the local elections held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in the West Bank and the city of Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip, commending the youth participation rate and affirming that they constitute a fundamental pillar in building democratic life and enhancing the resilience and immunity of Palestinian society.

In this context, "Bialara" affirms that lowering the candidacy age from (25) to (23) years is a positive step towards enhancing youth participation in political life and assuming decision-making positions. However, it remains a partial step that needs to be completed, in line with many international experiences where youth have proven their worth and entitlement to the roles assigned to them at various levels, which demonstrates the importance of ensuring real and effective representation for Palestinian youth.

"Bialara" indicates that, through its membership in the civil coalition it initiated and which includes about (100) civil society organizations, it has worked during the past period to implement intensive mobilization and advocacy campaigns aimed at lowering the candidacy age to (18) years, considering this a democratic right that reflects the principle of citizenship and guarantees youth their right to run for office, similar to their right to vote.

In this regard, Hania Al-Bitar, Director-General of Bialara, said: "Lowering the candidacy age in this electoral cycle is a positive step, but it is a beginning that needs to be completed." She added: "We at Bialara believe that empowering youth begins by providing them with the opportunity to participate in decision-making; therefore, we will continue to work with our partners to demand lowering the candidacy age to (18) years, especially in light of the passion and eagerness shown by youth during the current experience, and the ability youth have demonstrated to bear responsibility, and their growing role in leading change, building the future, and recovery efforts in the Gaza Strip."

"Bialara" confirms that Palestinian youth in the age group (18-40) years constitute about (57%) of the total electoral register, making them the largest and most influential group in the democratic process as voters and candidates. Field observations also reflect a youth presence in the 2026 local elections, whether through voter turnout, involvement in election campaigns, or participation in monitoring, which indicates the growing involvement of youth in public affairs and the need to empower them more broadly.

In this context, "Bialara" calls for continued national efforts, both official and civil, to complete the process of amending electoral laws to lower the candidacy age to (18) years, in addition to adopting policies, procedures, and constitutional texts to approve a youth quota, in response to youth demands raised in their comments on the draft interim Palestinian constitution 2026 in many youth meetings held by "Bialara" in several locations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

"Bialara" also affirms its continued work alongside its local, regional, and international partners to support and empower youth, enhance their awareness of their political, social, and economic rights, and continue mobilization and advocacy campaigns for their issues and priorities to strengthen their presence as actors in the public sphere.