London: The British government announced on Thursday that the voting age will be lowered from 18 to 16 ahead of the next general election, as part of efforts to enhance democratic participation.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the move fulfils a campaign pledge by the centre-left Labour Party, which won the July 2024 election, to empower young people to vote in parliamentary elections. Scotland and Wales already allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in local and regional elections.
With this decision, the UK joins countries such as Austria, Brazil, and Ecuador in allowing voting at the age of 16. The measure is part of wider electoral reforms that include the introduction of automatic voter registration, allowing bank cards as valid ID at polling stations, and tightening campaign finance rules to ensure transparency.