Why younger candidates deserve a seat at the table

Cayman Sentinel writes: In every election cycle, the call for fresh leadership echoes across the political landscape. Voters express frustration with stagnation, with decisions that seem out of touch with modern realities, and with representatives whose tenure spans decades. Yet, when young candidates step forward — eager, passionate, and determined to make a difference — their ambitions are often met with skepticism, ridicule, or outright dismissal.

The paradox is glaring: society calls for youth engagement, yet discourages young people from seeking public office. We celebrate youth-driven activism and innovation in business, but when it comes to governance, we impose arbitrary age barriers, both institutional and cultural. It is time we dismantle this hypocrisy and acknowledge that younger candidates bring a wealth of benefits to our democratic institutions.

The moment a young candidate announces their intent to run for office, the response is predictable. Critics scoff, questioning their experience, their ability to lead, and even their right to participate in the democratic process. They are often met with dismissive remarks such as “Wait your turn” or “You haven’t paid your dues yet.”

This attitude is particularly prevalent in smaller nations like the Cayman Islands, where traditionalism runs deep. Elders are revered, and leadership is often passed within a closed circle of longstanding figures. Newcomers, particularly those who are young and unconnected to established political dynasties, are treated as interlopers. Their ideas — no matter how progressive, researched, or practical — are brushed aside in favor of the status quo.

This systemic snubbing is not just unfair; it is detrimental to democracy. By discouraging young candidates, we perpetuate a cycle in which decision-making remains in the hands of an aging political class disconnected from the struggles of newer generations.

One of the most baffling contradictions in modern politics is the simultaneous promotion and suppression of youth. Governments pour resources into youth development programmes, encouraging civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and leadership training. Young people are told they are the future, that their voices matter, and that they must participate in shaping their country.

Yet, when they take that advice seriously and step up to lead, the same institutions that encouraged their participation turn their backs. The same voices that once celebrated youth activism now question their credentials. The message is clear: We want you involved — but only within boundaries that do not threaten the established order.

This hypocrisy is evident in the media, in political debates, and in casual conversations. Young candidates are subjected to a level of scrutiny that their older counterparts rarely face. If they lack decades of experience, they are deemed unqualified. If they have experience in activism or business rather than politics, they are seen as outsiders. Meanwhile, veteran politicians with long but ineffective careers are rarely questioned about their failures.

A critical look at most legislative bodies reveals a glaring age imbalance. In many parliaments and legislative assemblies worldwide, the average age of representatives is significantly higher than that of the general population. This is true in the Cayman Islands, where the younger demographic — those in their 20s and 30s — remains drastically underrepresented in decision-making bodies.

This disparity is not just a numbers issue; it has real-world consequences. Policies on education, employment, digital transformation, and climate change disproportionately affect younger generations. Yet, the people crafting these policies often belong to an era with vastly different experiences and priorities. The result? Decisions that do not adequately address the challenges of today’s youth.

A more balanced legislative body, one that includes younger voices, ensures that policymaking reflects the needs of all generations. Younger representatives bring firsthand experience of issues like student debt, the gig economy, and the challenges of homeownership in an inflated market. Their perspectives are not theoretical; they are lived realities.

Young candidates face an uphill battle not just because of their age but also due to the double standards imposed upon them. Older politicians can afford to make mistakes and learn on the job. They can change positions, rebrand their policies, and rely on experience as a shield against criticism.

A young candidate, however, is given no such grace. Every decision, every public statement, and every minor misstep is magnified and dissected. If they change their stance on an issue based on new information, they are accused of inconsistency. If they lack an extensive political track record, they are called unqualified. The same room for growth afforded to older politicians is denied to those just entering the field.

These double standards extend beyond the campaign trail and into governance. A young leader is often forced to work twice as hard to earn the respect of their peers, even when their ideas are sound and their policies well-developed. Their leadership is questioned in ways that older politicians rarely experience.

Despite these challenges, the benefits of electing younger leaders are undeniable. First, they bring innovation. Growing up in an era of rapid technological advancement, younger politicians understand the digital economy, social media’s role in governance, and the urgency of cybersecurity and data protection. They are more likely to push for modern infrastructure, tech-driven solutions, and policies that reflect the realities of the 21st century.

Second, younger candidates tend to have a stronger connection to grassroots movements and the everyday struggles of working-class citizens. Having entered the workforce in an era of rising costs and economic uncertainty, they are acutely aware of issues like wage stagnation, unaffordable housing, and the need for job creation in emerging industries.

Third, younger leaders inject energy and urgency into political discourse. They challenge outdated thinking, question entrenched bureaucracies, and bring a level of enthusiasm that can reignite civic engagement among disillusioned voters. In an era where voter apathy is a growing concern, young politicians have the potential to inspire a new generation to participate in democracy.

If we are serious about building a government that represents all its people, we must actively support young candidates rather than hinder them. This means:

• Challenging ageist narratives: Experience is valuable, but it is not the sole determinant of effective leadership. Competence, vision, and integrity matter just as much.
• Holding older politicians to the same standards: If youth is seen as a disadvantage due to a lack of experience, then long-serving politicians must be equally scrutinised for their track records — or lack thereof.
• Providing equitable access to political platforms: Younger candidates often lack the financial backing and networks that established politicians have. Leveling the playing field through campaign finance reforms and mentorship programmes can help address this imbalance.
• Encouraging intergenerational collaboration: Politics should not be a battleground between young and old but a partnership where experience meets innovation. Older politicians should mentor and uplift younger ones rather than seeing them as threats.

For too long, we have sidelined young candidates under the pretense of waiting for the right time. But the right time is now. The issues we face today require new ideas, bold leadership, and a willingness to break free from ineffective governance. If we want policies that truly reflect the needs of our society, we must welcome younger candidates into our halls of power, not as a symbolic gesture but as a fundamental step toward a more dynamic, representative democracy.

The next generation is not just the future; they are the present. And they deserve a seat at the table.

Do you have an Election Viewpoint? Send it to news@caymannewsservice.com for consideration.

About CNS Viewpoints

Check out the CNS Election Section interactive map to see who is running in each constituency.

See the list of candidates and their party affiliations here.

Category: Viewpoint