MONROVIA – As Liberia gears up for the 2023 presidential and legislative elections, Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, has called on the youths of Liberia not to be used by politicians to cause violence.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh – [email protected]
In a statement issued on Monday, Naymote, through its Executive Director Eddie Jarwolo said made an earnest appeal to all Liberian youths, particularly those affiliated with political parties’ youth leagues and auxiliaries, to actively engage in issue-based political activities, including campaigns, while fostering a culture of political tolerance.
“Recognizing the profound influence that the young people of Liberia wield, Naymote emphasizes the pivotal role they can play in shaping the outcome of these elections,” the pro-democracy group said.
“With their numerical strength, Liberian youth have the collective power to determine the course of leadership in their country. Naymote urges them to harness this potential and exercise their voting rights to elect leaders who are best equipped to usher in the transformative changes that they desire and address the challenges young people are facing. For example: unemployment, provision of basic social services such as education opportunities and basic healthcare services.”
Liberia has a bustling youthful population, with more than half of its population of 5.2 million people being youth, according to the 2022 national census. Youth play active roles in Liberia’s political landscape, becoming wings or leagues becoming core axillaries of political parties.
Naymote said in recent years, Liberia has witnessed instances where political leaders have exploited the energy and enthusiasm of young people, often to the detriment of their own aspirations.
“In the year 2023, Naymote firmly advocates for a shift in this narrative. We call upon all Liberian youths to rise above this trend, seize the opportunities of political participation, and demand genuine representation that aligns with their values and aspirations,” it said.
It added: “We also call on all political parties not to use Liberian youths to engage in any act of political violence due to their status and unemployment.”
‘Don’t be partisans’
Liberia’s upcoming elections will be the fourth straight presidential polls since the end of the civil wars two decades ago. The past three elections were conducted with the presence of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). However, following the complete drawdown of UNMIL in 2018, this year’s presidential and legislative elections will be solely held under the auspices of Liberia’s National Elections Commission, while the Liberia National Police (LNP) will lead other paramilitary groups in providing security for the smooth conduct of the elections.
With a focus on safeguarding the security and rights of all candidates and parties, Naymote called on the Liberian National Police to execute their duties impartially. The group said ensuring the protection of all participants during campaign events is of paramount importance, and as such the LNP should exercise professionalism in the execution of these responsibilities.
‘President Meter on the watch’
Also, in the statement, Naymote announced that it is tracking presidential campaign promises for its President Meter Project which it says will be used to monitor the performance of the elected president against promises made.
The organizations stated that it has trained and strategically deployed 15 observers across the country, established a Youth Elections Data Centre, and reactivated its Liberia Decides platform with a substantial online following of over 23,000 people to track campaign promises and educate citizens about the electoral process using digital technology. In addition, Naymote will put out at least 700 volunteers from its various youth programs to carry out civic voter education, specifically teaching young people about how to vote and staying peaceful.
In a bid to encourage an informed electorate, Naymote calls on all political parties to publish their manifestos in accessible formats, catering to citizens of varying literacy levels. The organization noted that it recognized the forthcoming elections as an opportunity to fortify Liberia’s peace and democratic progress achieved over the past two decades.
It also appealed to all Liberians, especially political leaders and party members, to eschew violence and instead engage in constructive policy debates that will drive transformative agendas addressing pressing issues such as corruption, economic growth, justice, human rights, unemployment, violence against women, and decentralization.
In addition, it extends its call to action to all Liberian civil society organizations, media outlets, and independent citizens’ movements, urging them to heighten their conflict sensitivity and deepen engagements with citizens.
Naymote underscores the importance of civic and voter education during the 2023 electoral campaign period, equipping citizens with the knowledge required to participate effectively in the democratic process.
“As Liberia stands on the brink of yet another milestone in its democratic journey, Naymote remains committed to fostering a peaceful and transparent electoral environment, bolstered by informed and engaged citizens.”