By Festus Poquie
On April 22, approximately 307,254 voters in Liberia’s most populous Nimba County will head to the polls to elect a new senator. This election follows the passing of long-serving Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, a figure regarded as the region’s political leader.
Covering an extensive area of 11,551 square miles (29,920 km²), Nimba is larger than the U.S. state of Delaware. Known for its rich iron ore deposits—particularly the Yekepa mine operated by global steelmaker ArcelorMittal—the region also has potential for gold and diamond mining. Yet, politics in Nimba remains deeply entrenched in masculinity.
The National Elections Commission has qualified seven candidates for this pivotal senate seat. Edith Gongloe-Weh, a former superintendent of Nimba County, is the sole female contender in the race. Since 1997, Nimba has not elected a woman to its legislature, which operated under a proportional representation system, nor in the first post-war democratic elections held in 2005.
Since the return of constitutional democracy in Liberia, only one female lawmaker, Nohn Rebecca Kidau, has emerged from Nimba.
In March, as the contest for the vacant senate seat heated up, Samuel Kogar, a sitting member of the House of Representatives, made headlines with an inflammatory remark, suggesting the election had become a “man versus woman” contest. “A woman cannot replace a man,” he declared, positioning himself as an heir to the Prince Johnson dynasty.
Moriah Yeakula-Korkpor, a civil rights lawyer and native of Nimba, took to Facebook to challenge Kogar’s assertions: “His recent statement about our tradition forbidding women from leadership is self-serving and misrepresentative of the county we hold dear.” She said there is no inherent disrespect in allowing women into leadership roles, recalling the late Senator Catherine Cummings as a successful female representative of Nimba.
“Those like Kogar continue to perpetuate these narratives for their own selfish goals,” she stated.
“As Nimba prepares for this senatorial bi-election, we expect all candidates to campaign based on their work and plans, not outdated gender biases.”
Gongloe-Weh’s campaign has rallied significant local support. Affectionately known as the “People’s Superintendent” during her 22-month tenure in the local government under the Johnson-Sirleaf administration, she has garnered attention for her initiatives.
During her time as superintendent, Gongloe-Weh opened the county’s college, funded the education of 100 students in various tertiary institutions, and facilitated infrastructure development with the procurement of 22 road-building machines.
In mid-March, a large group of citizens from Gbannah publicly endorsed Gongloe-Weh for the upcoming by-election. Ramphel Dolo, chairman of the Garr Clan, expressed the community’s collective hope in her candidacy, stating, “We empower you, Madam Edith Gongloe-Weh, as our only hope and senatorial candidate for the pending by-election. We are willing to support you with cash, vehicles, and whatever you may require.” The endorsement was complemented by a substantial cash donation to her campaign.
Gongloe-Weh, who has previously contested two senatorial elections without success, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the community’s support. “Thank you to the citizens of Garr Clan for believing in me,” she said. “I pledge to be a leader who listens to the people and works to bring positive change to Nimba County.”
Emphasizing her commitment to unity and gender empowerment, she added, “If elected, I will introduce legislation that benefits our county and our country. Together, we will bring progressive changes to Nimba County and Liberia as a whole.”
Support for Gongloe-Weh extends beyond the Garr Clan; multiple women’s and youth groups have rallied behind her candidacy. “We back Edith because of her previous leadership as Superintendent and her ongoing commitment to the county,” stated spokesperson Ernest W.G. Corpee, supported by advisor Aaron Yorway and elder Paye Samah.
Despite her past electoral challenges, Gongloe-Weh’s supporters are steadfast in their belief that she is the candidate who can best represent Nimba County in the Senate. “This woman has faced adversities in prior elections, but we are dedicated to supporting her dream of replacing the late Senator Prince Johnson,” said Corpee. “We believe in her leadership potential and stand by her this election.”
As the election date approaches, Gongloe-Weh’s bid for the senatorial seat has gained momentum, marked by endorsements from across the county. “I will exemplify the good leadership that the people of Nimba can be proud of,” she promised.
Women’s political leadership in Liberia is gaining traction, advocating for laws and reforms that prioritize gender equality, essential for the nation’s agrarian economy. According to a 2023 World Bank report, bridging gender gaps in labor force participation, wages, and employment sectors could boost Liberia’s GDP by 11.5 percent. With further reforms to equalize education and reduce fertility rates, GDP could improve by as much as 23.7 percent.
“Women currently make up 50 percent of Liberia’s labor force, providing the majority of employment in cash and food crop production,” asserted Mahesh Karra, Assistant Professor of Global Development Policy at Boston University. “If we address gender disparities, we can unlock greater economic potential as women contribute significantly to Liberia’s market-based output.”
As Nimba County approaches this critical election, the prospects for change hinge on whether voters will choose to shatter the long-standing male dominance in its political landscape by electing a woman who embodies progress and represents the voices of women in Liberia’s economy and society.
Running for elective office in Liberia has proven to be a significant challenge for women candidates. Although the number of women registering to participate in elections has outpaced that of their male counterparts, the outcomes have often been disappointing.
In 2023, 1,237,257 women registered to vote, comprising slightly less than half of the total voter roll. In populous counties like Nimba, Bong, and Montserrado, women outnumbered men in voter registration; for instance, Nimba recorded 155,337 female registrations compared to 151,917 male registrations.
During the recent elections held on October 10, 2023, seven new lawmakers were elected—six representatives and one senator—marking a decrease of three from the previous elections in 2017.
Despite Samuel Kogar’s assertions about a male-dominated tradition, data from the National Elections Commission reveals that newly elected female lawmakers are taking seats in some of Liberia’s most traditional counties, including Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Bong, and Lofa.
