Youth Leaders Endorse WAYON for Electoral Integrity in West Africa

Young people from across West Africa supported the creation of the West Youth Observers Network (WAYON) at the West Africa Youth Democracy Conference (WAYDC) held in Dakar, Senegal. The network aims to serve as a permanent platform for capacity building, advocacy, and knowledge exchange among youth election observers.

The initiative is anchored to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and will be hosted by the Legis360 Centre for Advocacy, Development and Public Enlightenment Initiative, with Samuel Folorunsho as the founder and executive director. The network will focus on election observation training, data collection, and information sharing, coordinated by the ECOWAS Commission.

The conference noted that youth, who constitute approximately 70% of West Africa's population, face barriers to political participation, including high nomination fees and weak inclusion policies. Participants urged governments to implement youth quotas and reduce candidacy fees.

The communiqué also called for a framework on digital democracy and the incorporation of youth inclusion indicators in ECOWAS work plans.