L’ACCES DES JEUNES AUX MANDATS ELECTORAUX EN AFRIQUE FRANCOPHONE : CAS DU BENIN.

In Africa, young people are regarded as the vanguard of the nation, indeed, its most reliable guarantee for the future. This perception should logically imply their inclusion in state governance. However, for the majority of youth, meaningful political participation in Francophone Africa remains a challenge, far from being a reality. This article highlights the paradox between the demographic majority of young people and their underrepresentation in decision-making bodies. Indeed, while they constitute approximately 60 % of the population, they are systematically marginalized in positions of power. This exclusion is explained by several factors, including restrictive legal frameworks, economic barriers, and a political culture characterized by the monopolization of power by entrenched elites. In response to this marginalization, potential pathways for reconfiguration are identified. These include normative and institutional reforms, inspired by certain African countries, such as the establishment of youth quotas, the lowering of eligibility ages, and the creation of support funds. Additionally, the article examines the emergence of strategies employed by youth themselves to circumvent these barriers, including civic engagement, digital activism, and the use of strategic litigation to assert their rights.