DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Child politicians challenge corruption

[19 May 2012] - As the Dominican Republic chooses a new president on Sunday, child politicians elected by their peers are working to instil democratic values among the next generation of voters.

Supporters of the youth programme hope it will help the nation's politics overcome the corrupt legacy of authoritarian President Rafael Trujillo, who died decades ago.

Throughout the Dominican Republic, children have voted among their own for youth town councils whose goal is to provide for the young.

The initiative is more than just a lesson in democracy: these young mayors and officials have affected real change.

Watch a BBC interview with local children here. 

Further Information:

• CANADA: Excluding youth from electoral count (18 April 2012) 
• AFRICA: Why voting age should be lowered to 18 (10 February 2011) 
• NORWAY: Children's Ombudsman calls for lower voting age (23 August 2007)
• UNITED STATES: Top ten reasons to lower voting age (8 September 2006)
• CRIN editorial on cildren's right to freedom of association 

• CRIN editorial on civil and political rights in schools
• More resources on children and participation
• More on children's rights in the Dominican Republic