EISA launches the ‘Za Hifidy’ awareness campaign
Madagascar, like many democracies worldwide, acknowledges the undeniable influence of its youth in shaping the course of its future. With young people constituting a substantial 48% of the voter list, their involvement is not merely symbolic but pivotal for the consolidation of democratic progress. Recent research findings have illuminated a concerning trend of increasing apathy among the nation’s youth towards electoral participation. This apathy, if left unchecked, could undermine the very foundations of Madagascar’s democratic consolidation. In response to this pressing issue, a vital initiative has been set into motion.
On Thursday, August 17, 2023, a launch event for the ‘Za Hifidy’ awareness campaign took place in Toamasina, Madagascar. This significant campaign is aimed at sensitizing young voters in preparation for the 2023 elections in the country. The campaign is a collaborative project spearheaded by the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) and generously funded by the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). This campaign goes beyond calling on young people to vote; it’s a call to safeguard the future of democracy in Madagascar.
With young people constituting a substantial 48% of the voter list, their involvement is not merely symbolic but pivotal for the consolidation of democratic progress.
The event saw the active participation of more than 150 young individuals aged between 18 and 35, who were eager to engage in discussions about their role in the upcoming elections. These young participants were mobilized by local CSOs, with the invaluable support of the Electoral Commission of Toamasina and the Regional Directorate of Youth and Sports of Antsinanana region.
The EISA Country Representative, Valdiodio Ndiaye, and the CFLI Coordinator, Lova Rakotoarisoa, in Madagascar, were joined at the event by Local authorities, such as the city prefect of Toamasina, representatives from the CENI (Independent National Electoral Commission) in Toamasina, and members of the Regional Directorate of Youth and Sports. Their collective presence underscored a shared belief in the significant role that young voters play in shaping electoral processes.
During the event the lack of knowledge that young people have on the intricacies of voting and the pivotal role that they, as citizens, play in consolidating democratic achievements in Madagascar became clear. Employing an andragogic methodology – a teaching approach tailored to adult learners – the event fostered an atmosphere of enthusiasm and commitment among the young participants from Toamasina.
This launch event in Toamasina is just the beginning. The awareness campaign will continue to roll out in various cities, including Toliara, Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Sambava, Antsiranana, and will culminate in Antananarivo. These efforts aim to empower and educate young voters across the nation, ensuring that they are well-informed and engaged in the democratic process as Madagascar moves forward.
As we look ahead, the goal of the Za Hifidy awareness campaign extends beyond the immediate electoral cycle. By empowering Malagasy youth with the tools and knowledge they need to be active participants in shaping the future of Madagascar, we’re sowing the seeds of a brighter, more inclusive democracy for the country. This endeavour transcends any single election; it’s a commitment to a vibrant, enduring democracy that thrives on the active involvement of all its citizens, today and for generations to come.
