Alla impact stories
More young people may run for election in Palestine
Through a campaign combining public awareness-raising, dialogue with decision-makers, and youth mobilization, the youth organization Pyalara helped secure a reform allowing young people to run in Palestinian local elections. This change broadens participation, and stands as a clear testament to the power of civil society and organized youth to drive meaningful political change.In Palestine, young people can vote from the age of 18, but until recently they were not allowed to candidate for local elections until they turned 25.
This contradiction excluded a large group of young people from political decision-making.
Through long-term advocacy work led by the youth organisation Pyalara, this has now been changed. In 2021, the organisation formed a coalition with over 80 civil society organisations, which launched a national campaign to lower the age limit.
The campaign combined public awareness-raising, dialogue with decision-makers and the mobilization of young people across the country. Young people themselves were at the heart of the campaign – they took part in debates with politicians, engaged local leaders and kept the issue alive even when election processes were postponed.
Breakthrough in policy change
In November 2025, President Mahmoud Abbas finally issued a decree lowering the minimum age to run as candidate in local elections from 25 to 23.
The reform did not go all the way to meet the campaign’s original demand of 18, but nevertheless marks a clear victory for civil society’s advocacy work.
This change opens politics to a new generation. Young people will have greater opportunities to participate in local decision-making on issues such as education, employment, public services and local development. The reform also strengthens the confidence in peaceful democratic processes and demonstrates that organised young people can make real political change themselves.
