The study explores the reasons and challenges hindering youth participation as voters in parliamentary elections in Jordan and proposes effective strategies to enhance this participation. It aims to understand the reality of youth participation as voters in parliamentary elections in Jordan and seeks to provide evidence-based recommendations to enhance the role of youth in the electoral process.

The study used a qualitative approach for data collection and analysis through a desk review of various studies, literature, relevant indicators, and all national reports and statistical indicators. Additionally, a total of four focused discussion sessions were held, divided by gender, with 41 participants in total from Amman Governorate, ensuring diversity in location (East Amman and West Amman). Furthermore, nine in-depth interviews were conducted with stakeholders. The study reached the following conclusions:

First: The Reality of Youth Participation in Elections in Jordan

• The study's findings indicate that the percentage of youth participation and turnout in elections has increased but remains limited compared to other age groups. Among the surveyed participants, 36.5% reported participating in the 2020 elections, with 26.8% being males and 9.7% being females.
• There was a significant influence of tribal and clan affiliations on youth participation in political life. Some youth participating in the elections reported experiencing tribal and clan pressures, with 24.3% of the respondents, particularly females, indicating that they were subjected to such pressures to participate in the 2020 elections.
• Participation of persons with disabilities in parliamentary elections in Jordan is improving and progressing steadily; however, it still falls below the desired level due to their feelings of exclusion and marginalization.
• A distinction was observed between East Amman and West Amman, where participants from West Amman tended to align more closely with a model of political citizenship, with 12.2% of participants, mostly males from West Amman, reporting that they participated freely and willingly.
• Many Jordanian youth participating in the study showed reluctance to engage in traditional political activities, including voting, with 63.4% of participants indicating that they did not participate in the last parliamentary elections. Additionally, 46.3% of respondents stated they do not wish to participate in the 2024 parliamentary elections.
• The findings revealed the significant role of electoral campaigns in attracting youth to participate in elections, especially when focused on issues of concern to youth, such as education, job opportunities, and unemployment. However, campaigns relying on traditional slogans without presenting realistic programs did not receive substantial youth engagement.