THE National Federation Party's youth leader Usaia Moli believes Fiji's youth, especially those in their mid 20s and younger, do not have a fair idea on how democracy works.
Mr Moli, who aims to earn a parliamentary seat for the youth, said Fiji's political situation made the country's situation extraordinary.
"The younger generation wasn't provided a democratic environment for them to learn from. These things can't be learnt from books but the youth have to be part of it," he said.
"There is also a need to incorporate Fiji's recent history, especially from the past two decades, as part of school curriculum so the youth grow up knowing what happened in Fiji.
"For me, a democracy is where everyone's opinion matters and everyone benefits equally, be it education or economic growth.
"It's all sad to know that most youths don't bother with the elections, they don't realise how important September 17 is."
Mr Moli says there is also a need to make the youth understand what their vote means and how it can prove vital in Fiji's general election.
This year will see more people vote not only because of a bigger population since the last election but also because the voting age has been reduced from 21 to 18 years.
The demography in this age bracket could, as Mr Moli suggested, be very pivotal for parties hoping to return to power under the banner of democracy.
He has stated he will contest the September general elections under the NFP banner and hopefully win a seat in parliament.