The Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) has officially validated the results of the October 24, 2025, Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) election, confirming Duku Jallah as the duly elected President. The Ministry’s affirmation effectively rejects challenges from aggrieved youth factions, asserting that the contested election enjoys a “presumption of legality” that administrative hearings could not overturn.
In a report submitted to the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court, the Ministry’s Special Mediatory Committee concluded that there is “no administrative basis to disturb the outcome” of the election. Despite allegations of constitutional violations and procedural irregularities, the Hearing Committee, chaired by Director for Youth Development Sando James, determined that challengers failed to meet the burden of proof.
Key findings, dated December 16, 2025, and filed in January 2026, highlighted several decisive factors:
Lack of Evidence: Meetings with the FLY Board of Advisors and the Independent National Elections Commission (INEC) produced no conclusive proof of material irregularity. Legislative Non-Interference: The National Legislature instructed the Ministry to refrain from meddling in FLY’s internal affairs. Presumption of Validity: Election results remain valid unless overturned by a judicial ruling.
The United Youth for Development Services (UYDS), the primary petitioner, argued that the process was flawed, citing repeated venue changes—from Lofa to Grand Bassa, Bong, and finally Margibi—constitutional irregularities, and claims that Jallah declared himself winner without proper oversight.
FLY leadership dismissed these allegations, asserting that UYDS lacked standing, as it is not a registered Federation member. They further noted that the UYDS-supported candidate voluntarily withdrew, which legally waives participation rights and cannot retroactively nullify the election.
While the Ministry praised the newly elected leadership for “good faith and openness,” it acknowledged that aggrieved parties remain adamant in demanding a full rerun. With administrative avenues closed, the dispute now moves entirely to the courts, where His Honour J. Boima Kontoe and the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court will determine the final outcome.
The Ministry’s decision reinforces the legitimacy of Jallah’s leadership and signals a new chapter for FLY, while stakeholders express cautious optimism for unity, stability, and progress within Liberia’s premier youth organization.
