Holds Youth Democracy Dialogue In Monrovia
MONROVIA – In keeping with its Mission, the Young Women’s Actions for Rights, Peace and Development (YWARPD), in collaboration with the Shadow Youth Parliament of Montserrado County, has organized a Youth Democracy Dialogue in Monrovia.
Held under the theme, “From Bystanders to Ballot Casters: Shaping the Future We Want,” the dialogue brought together members of the Shadow Youth Parliament and young people from four political districts across Montserrado County on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, said a media release,
The participants include future first-time voters who have not participated in past elections but will be eligible to vote in the upcoming 2029 Presidential and General Elections. The major objectives of the dialogue were to educate future first-time voters on the Liberian electoral process and the constitutional importance of their vote in the 2029 elections and also create a safe, collaborative platform linking the leadership of the Shadow Youth Parliament with grassroots youth from the four political districts.
During the dialogue, participants openly discussed barriers to voting, shifting their perspectives from political indifference to a shared commitment to national development.
The dialogue also proved the platform for future voters to gain practical strategies to spot and counter political misinformation on social media platforms. The key highlights of the dialogue included
- Participants explored the mechanics of the Liberian electoral system and the vital role of youth civic participation.
- Members of the Shadow Youth Parliament shared leadership experiences to demystify governance for new voters.
- Youth from the four represented districts identified specific community issues they want future political candidates to address.
Speaking at the end of the Dialogue, the Executive Director of YWARPD, Richelle Allison, urged the participants to treat their upcoming voting eligibility not just as a right, but as a profound responsibility to Liberia’s future. “The journey to the 2029 ballot box starts today, not three years from now,” Allison emphasized. “You cannot afford to sit on the sidelines while decisions about your education, your health, and your livelihood are being made by others. By moving from bystanders to active ballot casters, you are taking ownership of your destiny. YWARPD stands firmly committed to guiding, protecting, and amplifying your voices as you step up to shape the transparent, inclusive democracy Liberia deserves.”
Richelle Allison, YWARPD Executive Director
The dialogue concluded with a joint resolution asserting that long-term electoral integrity requires continuous civic education. YWARPD and the Shadow Youth Parliament officially pledged to launch ongoing, community-led awareness campaigns across Montserrado County to transition first-time voters into highly informed decision-makers.
About YWARPD
YWARPD was founded in July 2022 to serve as an advocacy mechanism and platform for young women participation in issues affecting their participation, development and survival. The organization grew out of the felt need to amplify the voice of young women. The organization was founded by young women from a number of universities across Liberia and seeks to serve as the main platform for young women engagements in a number of activities affecting their development. YWARPD is a member of the Global Coalition for Democracy, the West African Youth Network (WAYN) and the Working Group for CSOs, Women and Private Sector for NAP Implementation in Liberia.
About the Shadow Youth Parliament
The Shadow Youth Parliament of Montserrado County was established by YWARPD as an implementation vehicle for institutional democratic training. The parliament’s localized civic programs are generously supported through partnership with the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).