By T. Ezekiel Geeplay
MONROVIA, April 17(LINA) – A series of community dialogues aimed at preventing electoral conflict and violence are taking place in various locations within Nimba County in preparation for the senatorial by-elections on April 22, 2025
According to a statement from the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) dated Thursday, April 17, 2025, the initiative is being led by the Liberia Peacebuilding Office (PBO) and supported by UNDP Liberia, the European Union in Liberia, Irish Aid, and the Embassy of Sweden in Monrovia.
The dialogues, according to the statement commenced on April 15 and 16 in Tappita and Ganta, respectively, and will continue until April 20, with additional events scheduled in Saclepea, Gormahplay, and Garplay.
The statement disclosed that the aims of these dialogues are to foster a peaceful environment throughout the by-election process and promote harmony among communities, political parties, candidates, supporters, and voters.
The statement added that the initiative also aims to create a safe and conducive environment for candidates and their supporters to freely campaign and cast their ballots without violence or intimidation, regardless of political affiliation, age, gender, or religious differences.
“By reducing tensions, the dialogues seek to ensure violence-free elections and encourage peace and stability,” the statement indicated.
The WANEP statement indicated that these engagements will also specifically address issues related to violence against women in elections and politics, which can be a major barrier to women’s participation in electoral processes.
The statement emphasized that the discussions are also intended to identify local concerns that could threaten peaceful and inclusive elections, while introducing early warning systems, response mechanisms, and legal options for managing electoral disputes and conflicts that may arise.
“Representatives from women’s groups, youth organizations, motorcyclist associations, local leaders, town chiefs, elders, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, NEC staff, security personnel, county authorities, political party agents, and other relevant stakeholders are coming together to share their experiences concerning electoral conflicts,” the WANEP statement concluded
