-NAYMOTE appeals to US, EU, African states
A leading Liberian youth group is appealing to the US government, the European Union and African countries not to give entry visas to any Liberian who will be involved in creating violence during the ongoing electoral process.
The group, National Movement for Transparent Elections (NAYMOTE) says in a statement to mark World Youth Day for Democracy on October 18 that, violence at this critical stage of Liberia’s history would ruin the post-war country.
“As we are cognizant of the fact that billions of United States Dollars and Euros have been spent to maintain and consolidate peace in Liberia, NAYMOTE calls on all young people to adhere to the rule of law and avoid getting into violent activities that would undermine democratic gains in Liberia,” the youth group says.
On Wednesday, NAYMOTE Partners for Democratic Development held a one-day citizen’s engagement event in Montserrado County to remind citizens on the benefits of democracy and celebrate young people contributions to sustaining democracy in Liberia.
The World Youth Day for Democracy is a global event held to celebrate young people contributions to democracy and their participation in civic and political processes on every year October 18.
NAYMOTE says the event brought together 75 young political leaders, student and community youth leaders from across Montserrado County.
The young volunteers participated in a bus rides mounted with public address system with song of peace, chanting slogans like “Yes to Peace” and “No to Violence”. They made several stops to populated communities holding face to face discussions to help people understand the benefits of democracy in a post-conflict society, educating citizens of their roles, rights and responsibilities guaranteed in a democracy, etc.
“Liberian youths have played key roles in promoting peace and democracy in Liberia manifested by the different roles young people have played in maintaining our peace and democracy. Currently, young people age 18-32 years old constitute 52% of the total number of registered voters in Liberia who will head to the polls to decide their leader for the next six years during the runoff election come November 7, 2017. Political campaigns and rallies were largely conducted and are being conducted by young people,” according to NAYMOTE.
At the same time, the youth group is calling on everyone to use the legal system for redress. We also call on the Supreme Court and the National Elections Commission to fast track issues escalating from the elections in a more professional way and avoid anything that will incite violence.
NAYMOTE was established in Liberia and it has since been promoting democratic initiatives and providing grounds for the participation of young people in civic and democratic affairs of Liberia.
The group says it has trained thousands of young people in democratic and civic engagements, political leadership, and community.