
ABSTRACT

Liberia’s young people, aged 18-35, represent a significant yet underrepresented demographic in the nation’s political landscape, comprising over 60% of the population. Their voices have historically been marginalised in decision-making processes due to factors such as limited access to education and economic opportunities, a legacy of civil war trauma, and skepticism towards traditional political institutions.
Recognising this gap, the Liberia Youth Elections Project emerged as an innovative initiative to bridge the divide between young Liberians and their elected officials. This project aimed to empower young people in Liberia to actively participate in the political process, ensuring their concerns and priorities were heard and addressed by all presidential candidates in the 2023 elections. The project’s multifaceted approach included the establishment of the Inter-Party Youth Council, conducting surveys and focal group discussions to highlight youth concerns, facilitating the signing of the Buutuo Declaration symbolising youth commitment to peace and democracy, and hosting youth town halls with presidential candidates. These efforts fostered inclusive political dialogue and youth empowerment, contributing to a more responsive and inclusive political environment for Liberia’s young population.
PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION

The Liberia Youth Elections Project, funded by the European Union through the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), was designed to engage and empower young people in Liberia’s political landscape. Through various initiatives such as the establishment of the Inter-Party Youth Council, conducting surveys and focal group discussions, facilitating the Buutuo Declaration, and hosting youth town halls with presidential candidates, the project aimed to amplify youth voices and promote their active participation in the democratic process. This program not only addressed the historical disenfranchisement of young Liberians but also fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility among the youth for the future direction of their country’s governance.
ENABLING FACTORS
Several key factors facilitated the success of the Liberia Youth Elections Project:

Formation of Inter-Party Youth Council: The establishment of the council, comprising representatives from 12 major political parties, promoted diverse youth representation and collaboration in shaping the youth agenda.

Youth-Centric Engagement: Through focal group discussions and surveys, the project identified key concerns and priorities of young people, leading to the development of concrete policy proposals.

Reactivation of the Youth Elections Situation Room (YESR): The reactivation of the YESR allowed for real-time monitoring of youth participation in elections, enhancing the credibility of the electoral process and promoting transparency.

Post-Elections Youth Peace Town Halls: These post-elections town halls provided a platform for open dialogue and reflection on election outcomes, engaging many young people and fostering inclusivity.

Introduction of the Youth Impact Meter: The implementation of the Youth Impact Meter aimed to measure the effectiveness of government programs on youth, promoting transparency, and accountability in governance.
KEY OUTPUTS
- Inter-Party Youth Council: Successfully formed with representatives from 12 major political parties, promoting inclusivity and collaboration.
- Focal Group Discussions and Surveys: Identified key concerns and policy proposals, such as a youth-run Ministry of Youth and increased education investment.
- Youth Elections Situation Room (YESR): Reactivated to monitor and document over 300 incidents related to youth participation, enhancing electoral credibility.
- Post-Elections Youth Peace Town Halls: Engaged over 80 young people, fostering dialogue on election outcomes and future improvements.
- Youth Impact Meter: Introduced to measure the impact of government programs on youth, promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
OVERALL IMPACT
The Liberia Youth Elections Project significantly contributed to amplifying youth voices in Liberia’s political landscape. Through the formation of the Inter-Party Youth Council, policy advocacy, and innovative initiatives like the YESR and Youth Impact Meter, young people are better represented, engaged, and empowered. The project’s multifaceted approach has fostered a more inclusive and democratic environment, paving the way for meaningful youth participation in governance.