H M Zaheer talks about the impact that young people can have in the UK Election...

In a world of evolving social media, 24-7 news and unlimited communications, politicians are realising the importance of "Generation Next".  This varied group of young people may not know it, but they make up a considerable size of the population and will play a decisive role in electing our next government.  The mainstream parties are aware of their importance and are actively seeking their electoral support, as this influential demographic contains British politics’ future movers and shakers.  For many young people, 2010 will be the first time that they will vote in a General Election.  They will consider an array of issues that will influence their ultimate choice at the polls.  The economy, education and health may be the first or only things that young people will consider when voting. 

But there is one issue often than not that is neglected – international development.  Such is its neglect, even by the mainstream media, that the BBC doesn’t even list it under a separate tab for the parties and issues page of its online election coverage.  Must it be considered as a stand-alone topic? Or should it be relegated as a non-primary matter? 

We live in a globalised society and as a consequence of this we have to act upon our collective consciences for a fairer world for all.  Neglecting this point will undermine the true interdependent nature of modern day sovereign nations.  Essentially there is a fine line between helping yourself and helping others in less fortunate circumstances.  As a result, your vote will decide Britain’s future on international development, which already affects millions of lives around the world.

For the first time in decades, there is a strong possibility that the General Election result will lead to a hung parliament.  This means that the winning party will not have a majority of seats and will be put in a position to lead by coalition and consensus.  Potentially, the new government will have to be very diplomatic and take an open approach on all policy areas, including international development.  If the two dominant parties at the next parliament place little emphasis on this matter, it could result in foreign aid being wasted or poorly managed to devastating effect.  Alternatively, we could have a government with a progressive agenda on international development that could bring about change far beyond our comprehension. 

Under the UK’s first-past-the-post system, your vote will make a direct difference to the MP that is elected in your constituency, rather than uniformly affecting the national result.  But it could be the difference between having an MP that actively supports international development and an MP that shuns it all together as an issue of insignificant concern.  And if you’re not happy with the elected MP’s views on international development (or any other policy matter), you will have to wait up to five years until the next time to have a say in voting them out.

The fact of the matter is that public money is being spent on international development.  As a stakeholder in this society, you have a legitimate say in how your money is spent at home and abroad.  For many people, the best way of expressing political opinion is at the ballot box.  As a young person, it’s your duty, responsibility and right to vote - so make the most of it and acknowledge the importance of international development, before you get old!