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ADNews-Monrovia,Liberia: ActionAid Liberia has concluded a two-day youth engagement dialogue under the Youth Ahead Project, implemented in partnership with several Liberian youth organizations, including the Federation of Liberian Youth and the Liberian National Students Union, among others.
By Benjamin Quaye Johnson
The engagement which commensed on Thursday, May 21, 2026 and climaxed on Friday, May 22, focused on gathering young people’s views and recommendations on electoral accountability, democratic principles, governance, and the rule of law.
The project aims to provide a platform for young people across Liberia to openly discuss national issues and recommend solutions related to electoral accountability, democracy, good governance, and the rule of law.
The nationwide pilot initiative brings young Liberians together to shape recommendations on electoral accountability, governance, and democratic participation, through community dialogues, workshops, and youth-led discussions, the project seeks to move young people from the margins of politics into active roles as citizens who influence policy and hold leaders accountable.
The initiative also aims to promote youth-led action for democratic participation and civic engagement in Liberia, while supporting ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and expand meaningful youth participation in governance.
During the first phase of the ActionAid Free Ride Bus engagement, participants expressed concerns about the influence of money in elections and the need for greater transparency.
Ernest, Nugfain, and Christiana, who traveled from the University of Liberia to ELWA Junction to attend the session, highlighted how cash incentives undermine voter choice and weaken democratic accountability.
“Most young people believe that after elections, all promises are forgotten,” Ernest said. “Politicians use cash and food to influence young people’s votes. After winning, when you go to them about their commitments, nothing happens. This does not serve the majority of Liberians.”
The students called for stronger enforcement of campaign finance regulations and increased civic education to help young people understand that voting is a civic responsibility, not a transaction. They stressed that without youth representation in decision-making positions, national policies will continue to overlook the needs of young people.
Participants also shared opinions and recommendations during the first trip of the ActionAid Free Ride Bus from Broad Street to Point Four Junction on Duport Road.
Speaking on youth participation, democracy, and the rule of law, participant Varney Flomo, a resident of Central Monrovia, discussed the gap between Liberia’s democratic ideals and their practical implementation.
“Having observed how the rule of law is applied in other countries, I see that it is often implemented in line with citizens’ rights,” Flomo said. “In Liberia, however, young people are too often overlooked and sidelined in democratic decision-making processes.”
Flomo cited the lack of employment opportunities and the silencing of youth voices as evidence that Liberia has yet to fully practice inclusive democracy. Referring to the government’s ban on commercial motorcycles in Monrovia, he argued that laws must be enforced consistently to be effective.
“For young people to participate meaningfully, the government and civil society must invest in civic education and awareness ahead of elections,” he said. “Many youth are mobilized for political purposes without understanding their rights or the electoral process. We need workshops, programs, and platforms that educate young people on democracy, accountability, and constructive engagement with government.”
Flomo praised ActionAid Liberia’s community-based approach, noting that empowering youth at the grassroots level is essential for sustainable change.
“If we want real progress, young people must be supported to advocate for their needs and given a seat at the table,” he added. “That way, we move from being used as tools during elections to becoming active citizens who shape the future of Liberia.”
Speaking on strengthening democratic principles and governance, participant Ernest emphasized that democracy in Liberia must move beyond rhetoric and be reflected in practice.
He stressed that respect for the rule of law, separation of powers, and non-interference by the executive branch in other branches of government are essential for credible elections and public trust.
“Democracy is about the will of the people,” one participant noted. “But when leaders abandon those principles after gaining power, public trust erodes. This project gives young people an opportunity to reclaim that space.”
For her part, participant Christina recommended that ActionAid Liberia introduce civic education programs in high schools and communities, arguing that informed young people are less likely to be manipulated during elections.
She urged ActionAid Liberia to expand the project to additional counties and partner with schools, noting that educating youth would help cultivate a culture of accountability from the grassroots level, particularly in electoral processes.
ActionAid Liberia said the insights gathered during the kickoff activities will inform policy briefs and advocacy campaigns ahead of the 2029 elections.
The organization also plans to train young people as civic educators and establish networks to monitor electoral processes and promote peaceful democratic participation.
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