Edith Gongloe-Weh, the only woman running in Nimba County’s pivotal senatorial by-election, has issued a desperate plea for national and international intervention after surviving what she describes as a politically motivated armed threat during her campaign.
The incident, which occurred in District 4, forced Gongloe-Weh and her team to flee a town after local youths allegedly confronted them with weapons. She claims the hostility stemmed from false rumors that she had insulted residents and opposed development, accusations she believes were fabricated to sabotage her candidacy.
Gongloe-Weh’s ordeal is not an isolated case. Liberia has a troubling history of electoral violence targeting women in politics. During the 2020 senatorial elections, Botoe Kanneh of Gbarpolu County faced voter intimidation, ballot destruction, and threats from armed groups. Despite these obstacles, Kanneh emerged victorious, becoming one of Liberia’s few female senators. a triumph that underscored both resilience and the systemic barriers women face in politics.
“This is not just about me,” Gongloe-Weh said. “This is about the continued suppression of women’s voices in our democracy. If we allow this to go unchecked, it will keep happening.”
While Gongloe-Weh insists the threat was real, some local leaders have disputed aspects of her account. Ma Sernah Dahn, Town Chief of Garplay, acknowledged tensions but denied witnessing armed youths targeting the candidate.
Meanwhile, law enforcement has taken a cautious stance. Assistant Commissioner of Police Larmie Mending confirmed that security personnel were deployed to the area but noted that no formal investigation has been opened due to the absence of an official complaint.
The National Elections Commission (NEC) also stated it has not received any formal report regarding the incident. NEC Communications Officer Prince Dunbar emphasized that all complaints must follow official channels to be addressed.
Gongloe-Weh has expressed frustration over what she sees as the silence of national leaders, including Vice President Jeremiah Koung, who has openly campaigned for her opponent, Representative Samuel G. Kogar, using state resources.
“When leaders remain silent in the face of violence, it sends a dangerous message,” she said.
Civil society groups in Nimba have condemned the incident. Alex G. Paye, Executive Director of Nimba-Monwah for Social, Environmental, and Livelihood Advocacy Inc., called for restraint and responsible leadership. “Elections should be about ideas, not intimidation,” Paye said.
With Liberia’s political landscape still heavily male-dominated, Gongloe-Weh is now seeking intervention from international bodies, including the United Nations and UN Women, to ensure the safety of female candidates.
Despite years of advocacy and programs by organizations like WONGOSOL and UN Women to promote gender-inclusive elections, women remain severely underrepresented in Liberian politics. Gongloe-Weh’s experience highlights the urgent need for stronger protections and accountability to level the playing field.
As the April 22 by-election approaches, the question remains: Will Liberia take meaningful steps to safeguard women in politics, or will intimidation continue to dictate who gets a seat at the table?
Source: FPA
