With just two weeks to go before the much-anticipated Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) General Assembly and elections, controversy has erupted over an alleged violation of the organization’s constitution.
Mandela S. Gbollie, a presidential aspirant in the upcoming polls, has formally lodged a complaint to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, citing a serious breach of FLY’s constitutional provisions.
In a letter dated October 13, 2025, and addressed to Deputy Minister for Youth Development Alphonso Belleh, Gbollie expressed concern over FLY’s failure to publish its updated membership list at least three months prior to the General Assembly—a requirement clearly outlined in Article 18, Section 1.2 (c) of the FLY Constitution.
“The Constitution requires that the membership list of FLY be updated and made public at least three months prior to the General Assembly.
However, with elections approaching in two weeks, the current membership database has not been released,” Gbollie wrote.
The young leader emphasized that the delay in releasing the membership list not only violates the Federation’s constitution but also undermines the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.
He warned that without public access to the list, stakeholders cannot verify voter eligibility or ensure fair participation in the election.
“This noncompliance raises concerns regarding the governance of FLY and the legitimacy of the upcoming elections,” Gbollie stated.
“It is crucial that FLY leadership be held accountable to uphold the necessary procedures.”
The Ministry of Youth and Sports, which plays an oversight role in youth affairs and institutions like FLY, has yet to issue a formal response.
However, the complaint is already stirring discussion among youth organizations and civil society actors, many of whom have voiced concerns about transparency and governance within FLY.
The Federation of Liberian Youth serves as the umbrella organization for youth groups across the country and plays a pivotal role in shaping national youth policy. The upcoming election is expected to usher in new leadership at a time when young people are increasingly demanding accountability and inclusion in national decision-making.
As the countdown to the elections continues, all eyes are now on the Ministry to intervene and ensure that the process adheres to democratic standards.
Stakeholders say how this issue is resolved could have far-reaching implications not only for FLY’s credibility but also for broader youth engagement in Liberia’s democratic processes.
