MONROVIA – In a bid to foster peaceful elections and promote civic engagement among Liberia’s youth, the Concerned Christian Community (CCC) and OMNIA Institute for Contextual Leadership are collaborating with many youth groups and Interfaith Peacemaker Teams (IPTs) to launch of the “Liberia Youth Voices Against Electoral Violence” campaign. The campaign is focused on young people raising their voices against electoral violence and calling on other young people to do the same through video engagement.
The initiative comes as Liberia approaches the highly anticipated October 10th Election and will be inaugurated at the New Water in the Desert Assembly of God Pentecostal Church on September 27, 2023. The videos being produced with the voices of young people will be aired on local and community-based radio stations in the 15 counties and other media outlets including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, amongst others.
The “Liberia Youth Voices against Electoral Violence” campaign is a joint effort between CCC and OMNIA, two organizations deeply committed to sustaining peace and reconciliation of Liberia through community-based organization and intervention. The initiative seeks to empower the youth of Liberia to become active participants in the electoral process while discouraging violence and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Key highlights of the campaign include:
Youth Empowerment: CCC and OMNIA recognize the vital role young people play in shaping the future of Liberia. The campaign aims to provide them with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions during the upcoming elections.
Civic Education: The campaign will feature workshops, seminars, and educational programs designed to equip young Liberians with a deeper understanding of the electoral process, including the importance of voting, and the role of government in their lives.
Peaceful Coexistence: Liberia Youth Voices Against Electoral Violence will actively discourage any form of violence or civil unrest during the election period. Through public awareness campaigns, advocacy, and community engagement, the campaign will emphasize the importance of peaceful participation in the democratic process.
Community Engagement: CCC and OMNIA will work closely with local communities, including churches, schools, and youth organizations, through the already established Community Interfaith Peacemaker Teams (IPTs) to ensure the message of peaceful elections reaches every corner of Liberia.
Election Observation: The campaign will field about 100 Election Observers accredited by the National Elections Commission to observe and monitor the October 10 Presidential and Legislative election. The engagement will also include collaboration with other groups in observing and monitoring activities of the election and the candidates and their supporters.
The campaign launch event will take place at the New Water in the Desert Assembly of God Pentecostal Church and will feature prominent speakers, politicians, community leaders, and youth representatives. It will serve as a rallying point for Liberian youth to commit to a peaceful and responsible electoral process. It will also feature a fund drive to help mobilize resources for the airing of messages of peace and nonviolence on local and community-based radio stations across the country, amongst others. Press Release
