Addressing the Youth

Editorial:-

The Sikkim Democratic Front party president has announced that should he return to government, he will spend the next term grooming his replacement. He has stated often of late that he plans to hand over the reins to the youth. His main Opposition, the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha often reiterates that it is the party of the youth. Even if there is not a substantial difference between the SDF and the SKM in the average age of candidates, the latter has successfully projected a more youthful face, perhaps by elevating its younger party members to spokesperson posts.

Be that as it may, it is clear that the recognition of the youth as an important segment for the elections is recognised by both parties; and rightfully so, since the 18 to 25 age group constitutes nearly 25% of the electorate this election. And it is also time, since after 20 years at the helm of affairs, SDF should have by now seen the arrival of second generation leaders and more youthful faces in its public appearances. Fresh blood is always healthy for any organisation and there can be no denying the fact that the decadence that inflict every monolithic organisation, had started manifesting even in the party that has been in power for the past 20 years. Though anti-incumbency has not manifested in the polling trends in Sikkim thus far, it does not mean that it will never arrive. When that happens, few voters will remember how things were in Sikkim 20 years back, since, a sizeable number of the voters [25%] will be voting for the first time and have never experienced any other party in power in Sikkim but the SDF. If they are not satisfied with the establishment, given how notoriously difficult the youth are to please, their frustrations will be directed against the present dispensation in power. Such expressions are not always reflections of on-ground performance, and are more about manifestations of youthful rebellion and impatience. It may be an impossible task to try and reason with this generation, but it is still an important constituency that cannot be, nor should it be, ignored. In political terms, they have to be cultivated, won over and most importantly, inspired. The first two requirements can be met through promises made in manifestos, public speeches and conduct. To be able to inspire though, one has to first earn their trust. That requires work and commitment of much longer duration than the month leading up to the elections. It also requires more effort than just instigation. Admittedly, it is easier for parties in the Opposition to grab the attention of the youth with their anti-establishment rhetoric and aggressive posturing. The party in office clearly has a tougher challenge since it is already the establishment and is also shouldered with the complicated task of not only having successful youth-oriented performances to show, but also the political acumen to somehow also address the youth’s natural desire for change.

But then again, it takes more than rhetoric to win the youth’s support. It might grab their attention, but their endorsement takes much more work. The young voters can be expected to turnout in impressive numbers on 12 April, and little over a month later, on 16 May, we should know which political approach they favoured. That will provide an interesting indication on where Sikkim is headed...