MONROVIA –The second phase of the Liberia Democracy School for Youth Wings of Political Parties continued on Wednesday, 27 May in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, bringing together 26 participants to deepen their knowledge of political campaigning, campaign finance, financial literacy, and democratic participation.
The event is implemented by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) under the Liberia Electoral Support Project, which is managed by UNDP and supported by the European Union, IrishAid and Sweden.
The five-day training, which ran from 25 to 29 May, equipped representatives from 13 political parties with practical leadership skills, democratic values and tools for constructive political engagement.
The initiative seeks to promote peaceful political participation, strengthen inter-party dialogue, and encourage issue-based politics among emerging political leaders.
Wednesday’s sessions focused on political campaign strategies, the political party code of conduct, campaign finance, and financial literacy.
Facilitators emphasized the importance of responsible political messaging, transparency, accountability, and strategic engagement in strengthening Liberia’s democratic culture.
Facilitating the session on Campaign Finance and Financial Literacy, Dr. Aagon Tingba, UNDP Political Party/Campaign Finance Specialist for the Liberia Electoral Support Project, stressed the importance of transparency, accountability and institutional discipline in political party structures.
He encouraged participants to adopt sound financial management practices that promote credibility, trust, and sustainability within political organizations.
“Political parties should hire trained accountants or bookkeepers as treasurers,” he recommended.
Dr. Tingba noted that strengthening financial literacy among young political leaders is essential to promoting responsible political participation and improving internal governance systems within political parties.
Delivering his presentation on Political Campaigns and Code of Conduct, Harold Aidoo, Executive Director of Integrity Watch, underscored the importance of strategic communication in political engagement.
“In applying the principles of campaigning, knowing your target audience and crafting your message is key,” said Mr. Aidoo.
Participants also reflected on how the Democracy School has contributed to internal reforms and strengthened youth participation within their respective political parties.
“Following the first phase of NIMD training in Bong, I went back to my party advocating for young people in executive positions within the party. Now my party is experiencing a shift in the inclusion of young people in the national executive committee. This happened due to my advocacy and knowledge I gained from the Democracy School,” said Mustapha Kelvin Passawe of the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC).
Participants further noted that the Democracy School has enhanced their confidence and strengthened their capacity to contribute meaningfully within their political parties.
“The Democracy School has built our confidence. Some of us felt we could not challenge our political leaders’ views, but with the lessons taught at the Democracy School, we are going back with a changed mind,” said Emmanuel J. S. Tamba of the Liberia Restoration Party (LRP).
Other sessions focused on key aspects of democratic governance, electoral participation, conflict prevention, and youth inclusion in political processes.
Participants were guided through modules on Liberia’s electoral system, electoral justice, political alliances and coalitions, political dialogue, conflict resolution, and decentralization frameworks. Facilitators emphasized the importance of peaceful political engagement, consensus-building, and constructive inter-party collaboration in sustaining Liberia’s democracy.
The Democracy School forms part of broader efforts to support inclusive governance and strengthen the participation of young people in democratic processes in Liberia.
The programme combines theoretical learning with practical application and encourages cross-party collaboration among youth political leaders.
The Liberia Electoral Support Project supports national institutions and processes to promote inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance. It is managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and implemented in partnership with UN Women and the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, with funding from the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden.
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