Photo Gallery: Creating Safe Spaces for Youth in Bougainville
On August 10, the Office of the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner (OBEC), in partnership with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, held a youth participation in elections workshop to celebrate International Youth Day 2018. Drawing from this year’s theme, “Safe Spaces for Youth,” OBEC’s Director of Election Management Desmond Tsianai and Manager of Information and Community Awareness Winterford Toreas spoke to about 40 Bougainvillean youth, ages 15-35, about the importance of inclusive participation throughout the electoral cycle. Tsianai encouraged youth to get involved by not only voting but also by applying to be temporary election workers, running as candidates and organizing awareness campaigns in their villages.
After OBEC’s presentation, participants were divided into groups to discuss the importance of inclusive participation in elections. Many participants noted their innate right to vote and ability to affect change in their communities as key reasons to participate in electoral processes. As a result of this event, OBEC will conduct similar workshops across Bougainville, identify teachers and student leaders to disseminate awareness materials and work with returning officers to strategize a more inclusive recruitment process for temporary election workers.
“Approximately 60 percent of the Bougainville population is youth – you have the power of voice!” – Desmond Tsianai
To view the gallery on Flickr, please click the image below.
The Bougainville Electoral Support Program is supported by the Australian and New Zealand Governments in partnership with the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the Government of Papua New Guinea.
