All election laws to be amended to ensure youth representation

• No less than 1/4th of candidates in future election will have to be below 35 years
• Parties, independent groups risk having nomination papers rejected for failing to comply with the law

The Parliamentary, Provincial Councils and Local Authorities election laws are to be amended to allow for more youth representation in elected bodies.

The amendments to the laws have got Cabinet approval and the relevant Bills published in the Gazette .

Under the amendment to the election laws, no less than one fourth of persons given nominations by political parties or independent groups will have to be those below the age of 35 years.

If a  political party or independent group fails to fulfil this requirement, their nomination paper will be deemed null and void and be rejected by the Returning Officer.