MONROVIA – Eddie D. Jarwolo, Executive Director of the National Youth Movement for Transparent Elections (NAYMOTE), has renewed calls for increased investment in political education for young Africans, describing it as an essential pillar for safeguarding the continent’s democratic future. In a statement issued on Monday, December 8, 2025, Jarwolo argued that the continent cannot achieve accountable leadership, credible elections, or durable democracies unless young people are adequately informed about how governance truly works. His remarks come at a time when several African countries continue to grapple with political instability, weak institutions, and declining public trust in elected officials.
Jarwolo emphasized that political education remains one of the continent’s most overlooked yet most powerful tools for democratic transformation. He explained that when young people are grounded in civic knowledge and leadership principles, they are less likely to be manipulated by disinformation, vote-buying schemes, or the influence of bad actors seeking to exploit their vulnerabilities. According to him, informed youth make informed choices, and informed choices produce competent leaders who understand the value of transparency, service delivery, and the rule of law.
The NAYMOTE Executive Director further noted that the voting behavior of young Africans is directly shaped by their exposure to political knowledge and civic awareness. When young people recognize the importance of accountability and the dangers of electing unqualified individuals, they begin to participate more meaningfully in governance processes. Jarwolo added that such awareness strengthens democratic institutions and encourages young voters to align themselves with leaders whose records demonstrate integrity, competence, and a genuine commitment to national development.
In his statement, Jarwolo stressed that the overall quality of governance in Africa improves when electorates, especially young electorates, prioritize competence over popularity and accountability over patronage. Good leadership, he said, leads to effective public institutions that are capable of responding to citizens’ needs. He maintained that countries with civically educated young people are more likely to witness improvements in transparency, responsible decision-making, and sustainable development.
Jarwolo explained that political education not only empowers youth at the ballot box but also builds their capacity to participate actively in leadership roles. When young people understand the workings of government, they are better positioned to hold public officials accountable, advocate for reforms, and even contest for public office with a clear vision of service. He noted that such engagement contributes to a culture of responsible leadership and strengthens the fabric of African democracies.
The statement highlighted the work of the Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLSA), an initiative that has trained hundreds of emerging leaders across the continent. Jarwolo praised the program for helping young people gain practical political experience, leadership training, and ethical grounding. He noted that such investments are essential if Africa is to move away from governance characterized by corruption, mismanagement, and authoritarian drift.
Jarwolo argued that many of Africa’s lingering governance challenges stem from a lack of political preparedness among young voters, who make up the largest share of the population in most African countries. He said that equipping them with political knowledge is not optional; it is an urgent necessity. As the demographic that will shape future elections, policy decisions, and governance outcomes, youth must be empowered with the tools needed to demand accountability and drive reforms.
He further warned that failure to invest in political education leaves the door open for democratic backsliding, manipulation by political elites, and continued cycles of instability. Jarwolo pointed out that countries with strong civic education programs tend to have fewer electoral disputes and more stable transitions of power. He called on governments, civil society, and international partners to treat political education as a long-term investment rather than a short-term project.
In concluding his statement, Jarwolo reaffirmed NAYMOTE’s commitment to building a new generation of transformative leaders capable of delivering real democratic dividends. He said the Young Political Leadership School Africa continues to stand at the forefront of shaping informed, ethical, and visionary young leaders who can champion the reforms needed to advance the continent. According to him, Africa will only achieve lasting democratic progress when its youth are empowered not just to vote, but to understand, engage, and lead.
