Youth with clipped wings: Bridging the gap from youth recruitment to representation in candidate lists

Abstract

This article assesses the extent to which party youth wings participate in candidate selection and the factors that explain their (lack of) success, focusing on the interplay of formal and informal mechanisms with institutional rules. The results indicate an iceberg-shaped political recruitment ladder, with a stark compression of youth wing representation in the visible steps of candidates and MPs. More youth wing candidates are included in party lists as district magnitude increases, and there is evidence of an apprenticeship effect, with most youth wing candidates who are reselected able to improve their list position. More importantly, informal mechanisms and negotiations between youth wings and the mother party leadership emerge as a central factor in the ability of youth wings to influence candidate lists.