MONROVIA – The Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) has announced plans to conduct nationwide County Youth Elections on Saturday, September 26, describing the exercise as a landmark step toward decentralizing the organization and expanding youth participation in leadership across Liberia.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh
Making the announcement at a press conference in Monrovia Tuesday, July 14, FLY President Duku Jallah said the elections represent a new chapter for the Federation, aimed at transforming FLY from what many perceive as a Monrovia-centered institution into a truly national youth movement.
According to Mr. Jallah, the initiative is part of the organization’s commitment to building a Federation that is “closer to the young people it exists to serve.”
“For nearly five decades, the Federation of Liberian Youth has played an important role in representing the aspirations of young Liberians,” Mr. Jallah said.
“We recognize and appreciate the contributions of past presidents, executive committee members, county leaders, and every young person who has carried the vision of FLY forward.”
He noted, however, that while the organization has made significant progress over the years, the current leadership has inherited challenges that require urgent reforms.
Mr. Jallah said one of the Federation’s biggest challenges is ensuring greater visibility, local ownership and participation, adding that many young people across Liberia want a stronger voice in the affairs of the organization.
“Many young people know of FLY, but they also feel they are not sufficiently connected to the daily business of the Federation. They want to participate in choosing their leaders and want FLY to be more than a national institution located in Monrovia,” he stated.
The FLY President acknowledged concerns that the organization has long been viewed as being concentrated in the capital, saying the upcoming elections are intended to address that perception by empowering county-based leadership.
He also stressed the importance of strengthening the Federation’s internal democratic processes.
“As young people, we have always demanded transparency, accountability, and credible elections from our public institutions. We must also hold ourselves to those same standards,” Mr. Jallah asserted.
Under the new electoral framework, counties where leadership elections have not previously been conducted will elect County Youth Presidents and leadership teams responsible for mobilizing young people, engaging local authorities, coordinating youth development initiatives, and representing youth interests on County Councils and other local governance platforms.
“Our vision is that no county should have to wait for Monrovia to speak on behalf of its young people when it has leaders elected by, accountable to, and working for the youth of that county,” he said.
Mr. Jallah explained that participation in the elections will be based on a transparent membership registration process, with only youth organizations officially registered with FLY in their respective counties eligible to vote.
He said the registration exercise will establish a credible membership database and ensure fairness throughout the electoral process.
The FLY President also unveiled a major decentralization policy that will allow county structures to manage their own financial resources.
“For the first time in the history of the Federation, we will establish dedicated bank accounts for every county structure,” he announced.
Under the new arrangement, membership dues and locally generated revenues will remain with county leadership to support local administration, youth programs and development initiatives, while operating within FLY’s financial management and accountability guidelines.
“We believe that leadership must be matched by resources and genuine local ownership is only possible when county structures have both democratic legitimacy and the financial capacity to serve the young people they represent,” Mr. Jallah added.
To ensure the credibility of the process, Mr. Jallah disclosed that FLY has received technical support from Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC) in developing the County Youth Elections Framework.
He thanked the NEC for sharing its expertise, describing the partnership as an important contribution to strengthening democratic institutions and preparing young people for leadership.
Mr. Jallah further announced the establishment of the National County Youth Elections Steering Committee, which will provide strategic oversight for the electoral process.
The committee will be chaired by Edward Gboe, former National Secretary of the YMCA and includes Arkie Gailor of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Paye Toekpe representing the National Elections Commission, Oranda F. Armah of the Ministry of Local Government, and Khalifa Losene Dunor representing the Liberia Civil Society Council.
He also named Abdullah Konneh as Chairperson of the National Membership Committee, which will oversee the nationwide registration and verification of youth organizations.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Kettor has been appointed Chairperson of the Independent County Youth Elections Commission, which will administer the elections, supervise nominations and voting, announce results and ensure the process is conducted fairly and independently.
Calling on young Liberians to embrace the process, Mr. Jallah described the elections as an opportunity for youth across the country to take ownership of their institution.
“Whether you have been involved with FLY for years or whether this will be your first opportunity to participate, we invite you to take ownership of this institution,” he urged.
Reflecting on the Federation’s 48-year history, Mr. Jallah intimated that the current generation has a responsibility not only to preserve FLY’s legacy but also to expand it by ensuring every county has democratic leadership, locally managed resources and active youth participation.
“Our ambition is simple: that within the next few years, no young Liberian should say that FLY is a Monrovia institution. They should see FLY in every county, led by people they elected, supported by resources managed locally and working every day to advance the interests of young people where they live,” he concluded.
