Liberia: Security Enhancements Drive Peaceful Nimba By-Election
The Nimba Senatorial By-Election was marked by extensive security measures to prevent disruption, particularly following past incidents. Inspector General Gregory Coleman of the Liberia National Police assured the public of a peaceful electoral process, emphasizing strategic deployments and a commitment to neutrality. The police aim to maintain order and protect the democratic space for all citizens.
The recent Senatorial By-Election in Nimba, Liberia, witnessed a significant security presence due to concerns over potential disruptions, particularly recalling previous incidents in Beo Longatuo, where protests led to the theft of ballot boxes. To ensure a peaceful electoral process, the Liberia National Police (LNP), under Inspector General Gregory Coleman, reassured the public that they were committed to maintaining order throughout the election.
During a press conference held on April 21, 2025, IG Coleman emphasized the measures undertaken to avoid previous violence, stating, “Every time the election is held, we look at after action and review what went wrong… to make all necessary corrections to avoid these errors.” He highlighted that external political actors were involved in the campaigning process and urged vigilance against individuals attempting to create unrest while having no local ties to the election.
The Inspector General’s comments came amid concerns from local residents regarding the participation of out-of-county political figures in the election, particularly those who joined the campaign of Madam Edith Gongloe Weh. Coleman assured the community that the LNP had developed robust strategies based on data from past elections to confront any threats to the electoral process, including deploying substantial personnel across Nimba to safeguard polling sites.
Highlighting the extensive preparation, Coleman stated that the security forces had comprehensive plans for all 681 polling locations, with personnel trained to respond to previous hotspots effectively. He stated, “This is one of the most informed deployments we’ve had” and reiterated the strategic nature of the police presence throughout the voting period.
Further, Coleman warned against individuals planning to cause disruptions, stating, “We are aware of your presence, and we know your plans. Let me be clear, if you attempt to carry them out, you will feel us.” He reinforced the commitment of the LNP to remain apolitical, ensuring that officers would be assigned to all candidates to maintain fairness and prevent potential confrontations.
The Police Chief further clarified that officers involved in political activities would face immediate repercussions, as their duty was to protect the electoral framework rather than interfere in political processes. He affirmed that the police’s enhanced service delivery stemmed from fulfilling long-neglected promises to the public.
Concluding the press conference, Coleman expressed confidence, assuring the citizens that their safety during the election was paramount and that any disruptions would be dealt with severely: “This election will be peaceful. No one should be afraid.” This statement resonates with earlier observations of unarmed security vulnerabilities that could jeopardize both safety and the electoral integrity.
In summary, the Liberia National Police implemented substantial measures to ensure a safe electoral environment during the Nimba Senatorial By-Election. Inspector General Gregory Coleman emphasized the importance of learning from past incidents to prevent disruption. The police’s commitment to neutrality and effective security strategies aims to foster a peaceful voting experience, assuring citizens of their safety and the integrity of the democratic process.
Original Source: allafrica.com
