This article focuses on the changing trends and patterns in the yoU/h's participation in the
electoral process. It examines trends in electoral participation in general and that of the youth
in particular and attempts an explanation. It draws on the results of accumulated surveys and
opinion polls that have been conducted over the years by the Democracy Research Project
(DRP) of the University of Botswana. The article argues that the reasons for the lower
participation rates among the youth are to be found in traditional Tswana society's political
culture that does not consider public affairs a domain for women and the yoU/h. This culture is
reproduced by the major agencies of socialisation such as the family, school system, political
parties and the media.