Monrovia- The electoral process of the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) has been plunged into a constitutional crisis as a leading presidential aspirant, Samuel James Kpartor, has publicly called for its immediate suspension.
By Francis G. Boayue
Kpartor alleged “serious procedural and constitutional breaches” that he claims are undermining the integrity and credibility of the youth movement’s most important democratic exercise.
In a critical statement issued on Tuesday, Kpartor warned that if the inconsistencies are not urgently addressed, they threatened the very “heart of our Constitution” and risk reducing FLY to a political extension of partisan interests.
His demands include a full constitutional review, a transparent membership roster, and protection of FLY’s political neutrality.
Aspirant Kpartor, in his press conference, outlined several specific violations and flaws in the lead-up to the General Assembly and elections of FLY, arguing that the 2018 Amended Constitution of FLY has been “selectively enforced or, in some cases, completely ignored.”
He noted that the current process lacks adequate notice, consultation and a transparent roadmap. He specifically pointed out that the timeline for the General Assembly and elections is “unclear and inconsistent with Article 9 of the Constitution,” which mandates the General Assembly convene every two years and elections every three years.
He stressed that a major concern is the alleged failure to properly notify or accredit legitimate youth and student organizations, a breach of Article 7 which requires a transparent process for membership validation and delegate eligibility.
“The absence of such clarity risks producing a General Assembly that does not truly represent the diversity of Liberia’s youth movement,” Kpartor stated.
Kpartor also accused actors within the process of being compromised by politics, claiming there is increasing evidence of “overt involvement and endorsement of individuals with known partisan affiliations.”
He asserted that this directly contravenes Article 16(d), which safeguards the political neutrality of the Federation.
Adding to the controversy, Kpartor expressed deep concern over President Banica Stephenie Elliott’s recent announcement of a five-member Advisory Board. While Article 13, Section 2.1(b) of the FLY Constitution empowers the President to make such appointments, Kpartor stressed that the appointments must be forwarded to the General Assembly for endorsement.
He claimed the timing of the announcement, “coming just days before the General Assembly and amid widespread constitutional breaches, renders it politically charged and constitutionally questionable,” suggesting the appointments lack legal standing without General Assembly approval.
As a “reform-minded aspirant,” Kpartor issued a firm list of demands to restore integrity and public confidence in the Federation of Liberian Youth: “A halt to the current flawed process until all constitutional irregularities are corrected, Full publication of the updated membership roster and clear communication of delegate eligibility consistent with Articles 6–7, and an independent review of the electoral framework by the Ministry of Youth and Sports to restore confidence, especially since FLY currently has no Board,” Kpartor added.
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