The International Observation Mission in Africa, Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy (EISA-IEOM) has expressed frustration over the absence of female candidates in pending by-elections in Nimba and Grand Gedeh Counties. The by-elections are expected to be held on April 23, 2024.
According to Antonetta Hamandishe, Acting Country Representative and Chief of Party (EISA-LIEOM Project), the absence of women’s participation in the upcoming by-elections is frustrating.
“’The absence of female candidates in the senatorial race raises concerns about inclusivity during the electoral process. NEC reports Nimba County with 307,254 registered voters and Grand Gedeh County, Electoral District No. 1 with 20,407. EISA Election Perspectives Series 11 April 2024 Issue No. 27 Given past instances of electoral violence in Nimba and Grand Gedeh counties during the 2023 general elections, it is imperative for all Liberians and relevant stakeholders to uphold democratic principles to mitigate against undemocratic practices,” she said.
Meanwhile, EISA has urged the Liberia Joint Security to improve its communication, coordination and information sharing regarding security arrangements to safeguard the integrity of upcoming by-elections.
The organization has continental and sub-regional programs in the field of elections and democracy throughout Africa. EISA strives for excellence in the promotion of credible elections, domestic participation, and the strengthening of political institutions for sustainable democracy in Africa.
The USAID-funded EISA International Election Observation Mission (EISA-IEOM) activity seeks to enhance the integrity of the 2023 Liberia Presidential and Legislative Elections through the deployment of an independent International Election Observer Mission (IEOM) to monitor, assess and report on all phases of the electoral process by international and regional benchmarks.
The IEOM is implemented in close coordination with the financial support of USAID/Liberia and will complement the efforts of other electoral stakeholders.
EISA is a continental not-for-profit organization located in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire with field offices in the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Madagascar, Niger, Liberia Chad, and Sudan.
EISA-IEOM in its election perspective series named Navigating Democracy: Challenges and Opportunities in Liberia’s 2024 Legislative By-elections in Nimba and Grand Gedeh Counties under the signature of Antonetta Hamandishe, acting Country Representative and Chief of Party (EISA-LIEOM Project) said that it’s important that the security affairs are properly coordinated to improve public trust.
Accordingly, the election perspective adds that Liberia’s democratic strength lies in the resilience of its citizens and institutions against violence and divisive rhetoric, urging that as the upcoming by-elections serve as another test for Liberian democracy and tolerance, addressing significant threats and vulnerabilities is crucial to consolidate electoral gains.
Madam Hamandishe narrated that the efforts by security forces and other groups should be directed towards monitoring and mitigating acts of violence and political provocation and collecting data for future analysis.
The Liberian security forces are requested to improve communication, coordination, and the sharing of information regarding security arrangements to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and instill confidence among voters, building upon the commendable efforts of the Joint Security Councils (JSCs) during the 2023 General Elections’’ Madam Hamandishe said.
She further stated that steps by the National Elections Commission (NEC) and security forces should be taken to ensure that officials and officers are paid their due wages timely and accurately to apply lessons from the 2023 electoral experience.
