Monrovia – The Project Officer of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) has called for mass registration of Liberian youths and students to enable them participate in the country’s presidential and legislative elections in October this year.
As part of the electoral process, the National Elections Commission (NEC) would conduct a nationwide voters’ registration from February 2nd to March 7th 2017.
According to Varney Karneh, if youths who constitute the vast majority of the Liberia population failed to participate in the pending elections, others who would cast their ballots would determine the leadership of the country.
He indicated that such national leadership emerging from the elections may not have the vision and platform aimed at sustaining and enhancing the country’s peace, stability and development.
Karneh made the called over the weekend at the induction ceremony of the student council government of the New Hope Academy on Peace Island in Paynesville, outside Monrovia.
The NDI’s project Officer also encouraged Liberian youths and students not to allow themselves to be used by politicians for pecuniary gains and engage in acts of hooliganism and undermine the rule of law during the pending presidential and legislative elections, which he said, are cardinal for the survival of the nation.
He stressed that such actions have the potential to undermine the progress of the youths in terms of education, which attainment would able them to effectively contribute to national development and the improvement of their individual and family livelihood.
Karneh added that the use of violence by the youths, at the behest of self-serving politicians would be at the detriment of the entire Liberian nation, something, he stressed, should not be permitted.
The NDI official also challenged Liberia youths and students to thoroughly x-ray the platforms and characters of politicians wanting to ascend to national leadership via the 2017 elections, and with the use of their ballots, reject those who demonstrate their lack of vision and the necessary policies for the socio-economic advancement of Liberia.
“They must be challenged to clearly explain how their declared development platforms would be fully implemented for the benefit of the country,” he added.
“For those of you, who have reached voting age of 18, or above, and even those who have to wait until you reach the age, ensures that you do not ask or receive money or rice from prospective candidates in order to vote for them.”
“You should instead ask them about how they will make laws, represent you and effectively provide oversight of the Executive Branch in order to influence genuine peace and development in the country.”
Speaking on the theme “The Role of young people in our 2017 Elections and beyond, Mr. Karneh also cautioned the youths of the country to among other things, prioritize the attainment of education and to subscribe to moral behaviors that would make them societal assets and not liabilities.
At the same time, Maryland County Representative, Dan Morias, who is also Chairman of the House’s Foreign Relations Committee, lauded students of the New Hope Academy for the conduct of peaceful elections and orderly transfer of power.
Mr. Morias who served as induction officer also cautioned the students to exercise respect for their elected leadership. The Lawmaker further encouraged the student leadership to collaborate with the school administration in the implementation of its projects and always seek the input of their fellow students.
The lawmaker used the occasion to pledge US$300 to the project of the student council government project including four-year scholarship to the outgoing and incoming student council presidents of the school.
The Proprietor of New Hope Academy and President of Better Future Foundation (BFF) Mr. Augustine Arkoi appealed for NDI’s support for youth training and capacity-building in consideration of the critical challenge Liberia faces in making a peaceful democratic transition in 2017.
He said such capacity-building would make young people, particularly those of voting age, to be aware and appreciate the vital role required of them in ensuring peaceful elections in the country this year.
Mr. Arkoi also called for NDI’s support to reactivate the YBB Youth Center, which includes a Youth Enhancement Center constructed years ago to promote “Peace, Development and Democratic values through monthly interactive dialogues with expert presenters bordering on national and international youth-driven thematic issues.
The youth center has over the years, produced youth leaders, including more than eight of the first generation of the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) Fellows, among others, who are currently serving in various national and international leadership capacities.
Those elected on the school student’s council government are Otis Nyenpan President, Jatu Kromah Vice President and Moses Yomai Secretary General.