The field and data processing "Research on the Political Preferences of Youth" conducted by the MetroPoll Strategic and Social Research Center was carried out as a survey with 1542 people in the 18-30 age group in 28 provinces, in addition to a focus group study with 30 young people, between 5-8 August.
In the research, answers were sought to many questions such as the political preferences of young people, their perspectives on civil society, their expectations from the local government, and their thoughts about young women's participation in politics, their preferences in decision-making processes, and their representation. As a result of the research, interesting findings were reached among young people.
The common problem of the youth, regardless of party; future anxiety
Economy and education stand out as the common problems of young people from different political tendencies. In particular, it is observed that the future concerns of young people struggling with unemployment have reached alarming levels. With the effect of the destruction caused by the pandemic in the economy and the end of the ban on layoffs in July, the problem of unemployment seems to have become more evident. The only problem experienced in the field of employment is not the problem of not being able to find a job. Young people complain about not being able to find jobs suitable for their profession, not being taken into account in job applications due to lack of experience, and having to work for low salaries even if they find a job.
Politicians don't understand young people
According to this; 1 out of every 2 young people think that politicians do not understand them and do not try enough to find solutions to their problems. Young people want to have a say in most of the municipal works, from transportation to culture and arts, from zoning to budget management. Concern for the future stands out as the common problem of young people from different political tendencies. 6 out of 10 young people are concerned about femicides. Young women explain the main reason why they cannot take part in politics; He sees it as the lack of space for them in politics and the sexist language and style in politics. The voting behavior of the youth differs from the general electorate and their families.
Young people's voting behavior differs from their families
According to the general voter poll conducted by MetroPoll in July 2021, “Which party would you vote for if there was a parliamentary election this Sunday?” to the question; While 29.3 percent of the general electorate says the AK Party, this rate drops to 20.1 percent for young people. While the CHP vote is 19.0 percent in the general electorate, this rate rises to 23.5 percent among the youth. The votes of the MHP, IYI Party and HDP are also decreasing in the young population compared to the general electorate. Parallel to these, it is seen that the voting preferences of the youth differ from the voting preferences of their families.
On the other hand, the rate of young people who are undecided and respond as "No answer" is around 25.6 percent. This situation; that politicians who want to win the vote of young people still have an opportunity to win the undecided youth; but it points out that young people should consider their priorities. However, it is seen that young people tend to vote in protest, with a rate of 11.8 percent. The reason of this; It is evaluated as a general state of distrust and hopelessness expressed.
CHP and AK Party are successful in involving young people in politics.
Although the efforts of politicians and political leaders to reach young people create a perception that they are taken into account, it is seen that these steps are still insufficient for young people. Politicians in the eyes of the youth; they do not listen to themselves, do not understand and do not make an effort to find solutions to their problems. In order for the political institution to appeal to the youth, the fact that they need to open up space for the youth in politics is emerging, as well as the steps they take to address the problems of the youth. CHP and AK Party are seen as the most successful parties in involving young people in politics. 3 out of 10 young people think that CHP and 2 think that the AK Party is the 2 most successful political parties in bringing young people into politics. However, while the rate of those who see the IYI Party as the most successful party in involving young people in politics was 4.3 percent, this rate was 3.8 percent for the MHP and 3.5 percent for the HDP.
Young people are reluctant to enter politics
Young people are generally reluctant to participate in politics. The first 3 reasons for this reluctance are considered as political polarization and political risks, respectively, that their views will not be taken into account in the current politics with a high average age. Young female participants' concerns about gender discrimination are added to the concerns of young people about politics. 8 out of 10 young women think they have less support from party leaders. In particular, the language and style towards women in the political scene is observed as the main source of these concerns. 1 in 2 women think that sexist language and harassment in politics makes it harder for women to succeed in politics.
The most trusted news source for young people; social media
Young people rely most on social media to access news about their city. Those who trust the news they access from social media the most; Young people from the IYI Party with 76 percent. This rate is followed by HDP youth with 69 percent, MHP youth with 67 percent, and CHP youth with 61 percent. It is seen that the young people from the AK Party, with a rate of 50 percent, are the least confident group to access the right news on social media. While trust in social media is high, trust in mainstream media seems to be quite low. Only 1 in 10 young people trust the mainstream media.
Young people want to be more active in the decisions taken in their cities
Although young people are not deeply aware of municipal work, they are particularly interested in work that touches their own lives. He wants to have a say in most of the municipal works, from transportation to culture and arts activities, from zoning to budget management.
Young people also determine the formula that will strengthen their ties with local governments. She wants to be listened to, taken seriously, and have a say. In addition, 9 out of 10 young people think that they cannot reach the mayor. He demands that mayors meet with them more and be more sensitive to their needs. It wants to be active in the decisions taken about its cities, and for this, it wants convenience and inclusiveness. 8 out of 10 young people think that there should be a youth quota in municipal councils.
You can download the report below.
For Detailed Information and Opinion About the Report:
Ela Serpil Evliyaoğlu - GoFor Civil Society Specialist/ [email protected]
