-WONGOSOL Urges Nimbians as It Commends Peaceful By-Election
Monrovia: The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) has called on the people of Nimba County to remain peaceful and await the official announcement of election results by the National Elections Commission (NEC).
In a press release dated Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Madam Esther S. Davis Yango, Executive Director of WONGOSOL urged, “We also call on the people of Nimba County to remain peaceful and to patiently await the official announcement of results by the National Elections Commission, which is the only body legally authorized to declare election outcomes.”
She cautioned against spreading unverified information, warning that misinformation could incite violence and destabilize the hard-earned peace. Her words, “Furthermore, we urge members of the press and the public to refrain from spreading misinformation or unverified results, as doing so has the potential to incite violence and undermine the peace we have collectively worked to sustain.”
Hailing the voters
The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) extends heartfelt gratitude to the people of Nimba County for the peaceful conduct of the senatorial by-elections held on April 22, 2025. “We particularly recognize and commend the incredible participation of women and young women who not only exercised their right to vote but also played a vital role in ensuring a violence-free electoral process,” WONGOSOL notes in a press statement.
The NGO says the active involvement of women in the electoral process remains essential to achieving inclusive democratic governance. “WONGOSOL celebrates the dynamic inter-generational collaboration between younger women and the Women Peace Hut structures in Nimba County, who worked together to raise awareness on the importance of violence-free elections, mobilized women to vote, and served as local election observers. This collaboration reflects the growing momentum toward sustained and meaningful women’s participation in decision-making processes at all levels.”
The women’s group emphasizes: “We sincerely thank the Government of Liberia for overseeing the conduct of these elections and applaud the Liberia Joint Security for their professionalism and dedication to maintaining peace and order throughout the process. We also appreciate the National Elections Commission (NEC) for their effective management of the electoral process.”
Lauding stakeholders’ role
Recognizing stakeholders’ role, WONGOSOL acknowledges with deep appreciation the support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) through Kvinna till Kvinna. They believe that this support was instrumental in enabling our strategic engagements with key stakeholders in Nimba County. “Through this funding, platforms were created for dialogue among traditional leaders, religious leaders, women, youth, and union leaders on the significance of peaceful elections and the advancement of women’s political participation.”
In an interview with Madam Yei Dahn, Chairlady of the Ganta Peace Hut prior to the process, she expressed her sincere appreciation to SIDA for empowering rural women to serve as election observers. “We feel proud to be part of this process. It makes us feel seen, heard, and involved,” she stated. Miss Teta Moore Kelly, a first-time election observer, shared her enthusiasm, saying, “This is my first time observing an election, and I’m so excited to be part of something so important. I look forward to being involved in more of these activities.”
During its Stakeholders’ Engagement, a male stakeholder from Yekepa Camp 4, Mr. Lingford Tiah, the Chief of the Kissi community in that part of Nimba, acknowledged WONGOSOL’s work and offered a key recommendation: “Thanks to WONGOSOL and its partners. However, it is important for the National Elections Commission (NEC) to remember that Nimba is home to many tribes, not just the two major ones. We live here, and during any election, the NEC should please conduct civic‑education activities in the various local dialects so that our people who are not educated can participate freely.”
As it reflects on this milestone, WONGOSOL Executive Director Madam Esther S. Davis Yango says the institution remains committed to strengthening the voices of women across Liberia and supporting peaceful, inclusive, and democratic processes.
WONGOSOL reminds all citizens that the right to vote is a constitutional guarantee. Article 77(b) of the Liberian Constitution explicitly states: “Every Liberian citizen shall have the right to be registered in a constituency, and to vote in public elections, only if he/she shall have attained the age of eighteen years.” This right is fundamental to our democracy and must be protected and upheld at all times.
