EXPLORING THE DIMENSIONS OF ELECTORAL PARTICIPATION IN SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN ELECTION
Keywords:
Youth, Electoral Participation, Sangguniang Kabataan Election, Exploratory Mixed Methods Study, Panabo CityAbstract
Electoral participation, particularly through voting, is recognized as a central component of democratic engagement, yet youth involvement in local governance remains limited due to persistent institutional and structural barriers. This study examined the underlying dimensions shaping youth electoral participation in the Sangguniang Kabataan elections in Panabo City. Using an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design, the research began with a qualitative phase involving in-depth interviews with eight purposely selected youth participants to generate meaningful insights into their experiences and motivations. The thematic analysis produced forty-two unique statements that informed the development of a structured survey instrument. The quantitative phase then surveyed 220 respondents across four barangays through quota sampling, employing a forty-two-item questionnaire to assess the factors influencing youth engagement in local elections. Exploratory Factor Analysis conducted using SPSS identified five primary latent constructs: Perceived Institutional Effectiveness, Youth Leadership Motivation, Civic Voice, Civic Responsibility, and Community Attachment. The study concluded that enhancing civic education, promoting youth leadership development, and improving institutional responsiveness are essential strategies to encourage greater youth participation in democratic processes. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers seeking to strengthen inclusive and meaningful youth political engagement in communities.
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