youth. This has constrained free speech among young people. Attempts to express opinions are often viewed as rebellious. Several structural barriers have further prevented youth participation in politics. The discrepancy in age requirements to stand for elections and to vote, reinforces the political marginalisation of the youth. While an individual must be 18 years or older to vote, an individual must be 21 years or older to contest the Local Authority Elections and the National Assembly (lower house) Elections. Meanwhile, individuals must be 40 years or older to be appointed to the Senate (upper house) or to contest the Presidential Elections. Additionally, election candidate registration fees were out of reach for many youths. Campaign costs further posed a real challenge. The improved pre-election environment following the November 2017 transition gave young people a sense of renewed hope that in a break from the past, their views and concerns would be better represented going forward. With a more engaged youth population, it is critical for the leadership of Zimbabwe to deepen efforts to realise this hope, especially given the high levels of unemployment and significant economic downturn. Recommendations  The Commonwealth Observer Group urges the relevant authorities in Zimbabwe to consider setting the age to stand for office at Local Authority, National Assembly and Senate Elections as the same as the age to vote (18 years), similar to other Southern African countries.6  The Group urges the consideration of a quota system for youth representatives (aged 18 to 35) to the Local Authority and National Assembly Elections, similar to other jurisdictions like Rwanda.  The Group encourages political parties to create empowered youth-led wings and youth caucuses, designed to actively involve young people in policy and decision-making.  Noting the participation of young people in electoral and political violence, and/or their susceptibility to be used in such situations, the Commonwealth Observer Group encourages the greater use of peace pledges by CSOs and youth organisations to encourage young people to shun political violence.  It is recommended that CSOs and the ZEC engage in voter education programmes throughout the electoral cycle, targeting young voters from age 16. This could increase electoral literacy. 6 World Atlas, Legal Voting Age by Country, available at: https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/legal-voting-age-by-country.html 20 August 2018 (accessed 20 August 2018); Youth Policy.org, ‘Factsheets per country’, available at: http://www.youthpolicy.org/factsheets/ (accessed 20 August 2018). 29