Understanding Generation Z's Voice in Elections

AR

A group of young people, some wearing masks, took selfies outside a shopping center in Bengaluru, the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka, on Thursday (2/12/2021).

Several years ago, we often discussed the millennial generation. Now, it seems we need to focus on generation Z. We need to understand them.

The new generation phenomenon can be seen in various countries. In India, young voters in this year's Indian general election are dominated by college graduates who find it difficult to find decent jobs. They are highly educated, frustrated, and angry. Ahead of voting starting on April 19, 2024, this harsh reality has become homework for Indian politicians. The increase in jobs is not as fast as the demographic growth of the workforce. The new job opportunities that are currently available are in the agricultural sector. However, this sector is less attractive to India's younger generation, while the very few government job vacancies are a point of contention (Kompas.id, 12/4/2024) .

Generation Z's political decisions are an important consideration for contestants in several countries during general elections, such as in the Philippines, South Korea and Indonesia. Those who can understand the voices and problems of this generation can generally nod their voices. They are a new generation whose lives have been hit by various changes, starting from disruption due to digital technology, climate change, pandemic Covid-19, and economic crisis. This point of view needs to be used in understanding them.

DEMITRIUS WISNU WIDIANTORO

A number of young people play cricket on the street when shops along the road are closed due to the lockdown policy in New Delhi, India, Wednesday (5/5/2021). The Indian government extended the lockdown policy to control the transmission of Covid-19.

Also read: Young Indian Voters: Highly Educated, Unemployed and Angry

Moreover, the reality is that their life's constraints are becoming heavier with the income they earn proving inadequate to purchase property, meet the increasingly expensive cost of higher education, and fulfill their needs. Their decision not to get married is also due to their anxiety caused by being unable to finance a household.

The phenomenon in India also occurs in other countries. Economic activities have yet to provide adequate prosperity for the new generation. Even just accommodating them into traditional job fields is not possible. The problem is exacerbated as the agriculture sector is beginning to be abandoned despite providing job vacancies.

Therefore, amidst the widespread general elections in various countries, sweet promises are easily captivating Generation Z. With various issues faced, easily understandable sentences will immediately be accepted by them. Politicians who understand the issues of Generation Z and are smart in communicating with them will certainly gain more votes.

Nevertheless, artificial communication like that will not have a long-term impact. Sweet promises will not solve the problems they face. Politicians must be able to create ideas that enable the birth of a new economy with exponential growth and effectively communicate them. Only with steps like this can the problems of the Z generation be addressed.