Sierra Leone Youths Join ECOWAS Pilot Project for Election Observation Training in Abidjan

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched a new pilot project to directly involve young people in election observation across West Africa.

In collaboration with the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC), a five-day training workshop is currently taking place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from 17 to 21 October 2025. The initiative aims to prepare young participants for deployment as election observers on 25 October 2025 marking the first time youth will be formally included in an ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM).

The pilot project, titled “Mainstreaming Youth into the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EEOM),” seeks to strengthen youth participation in electoral processes and governance across the region.

A total of 22 young people from 11 ECOWAS member states are participating in the training, engaging in discussions and working sessions on how youth can contribute meaningfully to democratic governance.

Representing Sierra Leone are Kadiatu Tholley from National Elections Watch (NEW) and Sorie Ibrahim Koroma from the Center for Electoral and Civic Education. Both participants have been actively involved, offering recommendations and sharing strategies on the importance of including young people in governance and electoral systems.

During one of the sessions, Serigne KA from the ECOWAS Electoral Assistance Division and Irchad Razaaly, the European Union Ambassador, urged participants to use the opportunity to advocate for long-term policies that promote youth involvement in elections and public decision-making.

The training is expected to conclude on 21 October, after which the young observers will be deployed to join election day activities.