Cllr. Gongloe Advocates for Inclusive Representation in Nimba County Elections

Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe criticizes VP Jeremiah Koung’s call for a Gio-speaking candidate in Nimba, advocating for balanced representation across all tribes. He supports Edith Gongloe-Weh’s candidacy as a means to include women and marginalized groups in the political process. Gongloe warns against the financial repercussions of electing ruling party candidates, citing the necessity for responsible governance.

Former Presidential Candidate, Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, has publicly admonished Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung for his recent remarks advocating for the election of a Gio-speaking candidate in Nimba County. Addressing the media in Monrovia, Cllr. Gongloe emphasized that Nimba is a county representing all tribes, and not just the Gio-speaking populace. He further contended that balanced representation in the Senate is crucial and that opposition representation is necessary alongside the ruling Unity Party’s current Senate seat holders from Nimba.

Cllr. Gongloe articulated the necessity of inclusivity within Nimba County’s political landscape, particularly for marginalized groups such as women and various ethnic communities. He urged constituents to recognize their duty to ensure fair representation across genders and localities in upcoming legislative elections. Highlighting the candidacy of Edith Gongloe-Weh, a qualified female candidate boasting prior administrative experience, he advocated for her election as an essential step toward gender balance and enhanced leadership in the Nimba Senate seat.

He reminded voters that historically, all regions of Nimba have produced senators, with Yarwin-Mehnsonnoh and Gbelley Geh currently lacking representation. Cllr. Gongloe noted that the last election reflecting balanced geographical representation occurred in 1997. He maintained that filling the current Senate vacancy with a representative from Lower Nimba is both a historical correction and a move toward inclusivity.

In his argument against voting for the ruling party’s candidate, Cllr. Gongloe highlighted the potential financial ramifications of a win for Representative Samuel Kogar, which would necessitate yet another costly by-election. He raised concerns over the financial implications for Liberia, especially in light of current economic fragility and international aid reductions, advocating for responsible governance and foresight when it comes to election expenditures.

Cllr. Gongloe stated, “Voting for the ruling party’s candidate opens the door to unnecessary government expenditure, further burdening our struggling economy.” He stressed the need for equitable representation of women in legislative roles, noting the precedent set by neighboring counties that have successfully elected female representatives. The National Elections Commission has confirmed that the Nimba Senatorial By-election will take place on April 22, 2025.

Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe’s critique of Vice President Koung’s tribal-centric electoral call underlines the need for balanced representation in Nimba County’s political framework. His endorsement of Edith Gongloe-Weh reinforces the importance of inclusivity, particularly for women and marginalized ethnic groups. Furthermore, he cautions against the financial implications of unnecessary by-elections, advocating for a thoughtful approach to governance in light of Liberia’s economic challenges. The upcoming by-election presents an opportunity for Nimbaians to foster equitable representation as they move forward.

Original Source: thenewdawnliberia.com