Post-Electoral Study on Youth Political Participation and Electoral Behaviour in Côte d’Ivoire

The WYDE Political Parties project, led by the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP) and funded by the European Union, continues to support research and analysis aimed at strengthening democratic participation and political representation. In this context, a post-electoral study on youth political participation and electoral behaviour has been conducted by IGD (Institut pour la Gouvernance et le Développement) in Côte d’Ivoire to better understand the motivations, expectations and political engagement of young voters following recent elections.

The study explores the factors influencing youth political participation, voting behaviour and political engagement, with a particular focus on the challenges young people face when engaging in formal political processes. Despite representing a significant proportion of the population, young people often remain underrepresented in political decision-making processes and face structural barriers to political participation, including limited access to political networks, financial barriers and low levels of trust in political institutions.

The research highlights that while young people remain interested in political and social issues, their engagement increasingly takes place outside traditional political structures. Digital platforms, civic movements and community initiatives are becoming important spaces for political expression and mobilisation. However, the gap between informal civic engagement and formal political participation remains significant.

The study also examines the socio-economic factors influencing political engagement, including employment opportunities, education, access to resources and perceptions of political accountability. Economic challenges and limited opportunities continue to shape political attitudes and influence levels of trust in political institutions and elected representatives.

The findings of the study aim to support political parties, civil society organisations and democratic institutions in better understanding youth political priorities and expectations. By providing evidence-based insights, the study contributes to the development of more inclusive political strategies, youth engagement policies and democratic participation initiatives.

Through initiatives such as this research, the WYDE Political Parties project continues to promote youth political participation, strengthen democratic systems and support political actors in developing more inclusive and representative political processes.

The study contributes to ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic participation and ensure that the voices, concerns and priorities of young people are better reflected in political agendas and democratic institutions.

Study Details

• Study: Post-Electoral Study on Youth Political Participation and Electoral Behaviour
• Country: Côte d’Ivoire
• Project: WYDE Political Parties – Women and Youth Democratic Engagement (European Union)
• Implemented by: IGD (Institut pour la Gouvernance et le Développement) & CIS (Centerpartiets Internationella Stiftelse)
• Focus: Youth political participation, electoral behaviour, political engagement, democratic participation
• Type: Post-electoral research study
• Objective: To analyse youth voting behaviour, political attitudes and participation trends following the elections