The Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) has concluded a five-day Sub-Regional Democracy School for youth from political parties, aimed at strengthening inclusive political participation, democratic leadership, and policy engagement among young people across Liberia.
The training was held in Gbarnga, Bong County, from 4 to 8 May 2026 under the Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP). The project is managed by UNDP and implemented in partnership with UN Women and NIMD, with support from the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden.
The initiative brought together youth representatives from a diverse cross-section of political parties to deepen their understanding of democratic governance, political participation, peacebuilding, and responsible civic engagement.
The Democracy School was designed to equip participants with the knowledge, practical skills, and tools needed to engage meaningfully in democratic processes beyond election periods.
Through expert-led sessions, simulations, peer learning, and group exercises, participants explored approaches to strengthening internal party democracy, promoting accountability, and increasing youth influence in governance and policymaking at both local and national levels.
Speaking at the opening, NIMD Program Manager Darren Domah emphasized the need to transform youth engagement in politics.
“If young people do not take deliberate steps to change the current political culture, nothing meaningful will shift in political participation and inclusion. We must move beyond being mobilized only during elections and begin shaping the systems, institutions, and decisions that define our democracy.”
The curriculum adopted a practical, context-driven approach, covering key thematic areas including democracy and governance, political participation, Liberia’s multiparty system, constitutional democracy, peacebuilding, digital political communication, and youth and gender inclusion in politics.
Discussions also examined the historical evolution of political parties in Liberia, the constitutional and legal frameworks governing multiparty democracy, and emerging trends in political participation. Participants reflected on the causes and consequences of the Liberian civil war, as well as the role of justice and reconciliation in sustaining peace and democratic governance.
Facilitating a session on transitional justice, Counselor Jallah Barbu, Executive Director of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court, highlighted the importance of accountability.
“Reconciliation cannot come without justice. If we do not address these wounds through the law, people will continue to seek revenge in their own way.”
Participants further explored the role of digital media in democratic participation, including political communication, civic engagement, advocacy, and countering misinformation and hate speech.
Alpha Daffae Senkpeni, Executive Director of Local Voices Liberia, encouraged participants to adopt responsible and constructive political messaging.
A key highlight of the programme was a session on the structure and functions of the Inter-Party Consultative Committee (IPCC), facilitated by Ignatius Boyah Wisseh of the National Elections Commission of Liberia.
Participants reviewed the Revised IPCC Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2025 between the National Elections Commission and registered political parties.
Following extensive discussions, participants called for the establishment of a parallel IPCC structure for youth wings of political parties.
This platform would strengthen youth inclusion, coordination, representation, and participation in democratic processes nationwide.
Participants also recommended creating mechanisms to support dialogue on intra-party conflict resolution and amplify youth-led efforts to prevent electoral violence and promote peaceful political engagement.
Reflecting on the training, participants highlighted its positive impact on their understanding of democracy, governance, peacebuilding, public speaking, and inclusive leadership.
This initiative forms part of NIMD Liberia’s broader efforts under LESP to promote inclusive political participation, democratic governance, and constructive engagement among political actors, particularly youth and women.
The Liberia Electoral Support Project, managed by UNDP and implemented in partnership with UN Women and NIMD in collaboration with the National Elections Commission of Liberia and other stakeholders, supports efforts to strengthen inclusive, credible, and participatory democratic processes in Liberia.
The project is co-funded by the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden.
