–As District #5 By-election comes closer in Nimba County
BY: SHALLON S. GONLOR / shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
BUU-YAO, NIMBA COUNTY – With less than eight days remaining until the August 12, 2025, Representative By-election in Nimba County’s District 5, the lone female candidate in the race has raised alarms over targeted violence against her campaign.
Madee Kamah Wongbay of the Liberia Rebuilding Party, who could become the district’s first female representative, reported physical attacks and equipment sabotage allegedly carried out by supporters of rival candidates Kortor Sehwongbay Kwagrue and Miamen C-Borkoah. The incident, which damaged her campaign amplifiers, occurred during a vigorous campaign tour ahead of the pivotal vote.
“I want NEC-Liberia and partners, including all election stakeholders to know about this issue that is happening now” Madee reminded at Farmington River Declaration gathering held in Beeplay Town, Buu-Yao. “…they are still conducting violent against women; and I would like to say in the good manner they should stop,” she re-emphasized.
Violence against women in politics and social vices remains a deeply rooted, systemic problem in every society. Madee cautioned her fellow contenders and citizens that despite political differences, to promote peace before, during, and after the elections.
Madee highlighted how investing in women’s participation and rights for peace is both important because women are part of humanity and also because it is critical to preventing violence and conflict and promoting peace. “I’m a peacemaker today; I’m a peacemaker tomorrow; and I will forever remain…,” she asserted.
Madee noted that peace is better, therefore she considered it her bounden duty to call for peace as they head to the elections. Madee admonished young people to prioritize understanding, empathy, and cooperation over conflict, recrimination, vengeance, and violence.
“Remember, ‘peace comes from being able to contribute the best that we have and all that we are, toward creating a society that supports everyone” she noted. She concluded: “As we prepare to exercise our right to vote, let us do so with the intention of building a better future for all citizens. In all situations, we must reject violence which comes from hatred and vengeance; rather, embrace understanding, forgiveness, compassion, and love.”
For their part, NEC-Liberia Commissioners and election stakeholders have promised Monday to respond swiftly to alleged attacks against the lone female candidate – vowed to safeguard democracy. With ongoing campaign to close 2025, Commissioners of NEC and partners warning that threats of violence related to the election will be pursued aggressively and violators will face severe punishment.
Pressured to Exit:
Last month, the LNP ordered Wongbay’s reassignment, citing a 117-day “Prolonged Absence Without Leave” (AWOL), just as she was gaining momentum in her campaign to become Nimba’s next representative. Madee Kamah Wongbay is the only female among ten males who are seeking to represent Nimba County’s District #5 in the 55th legislature, if victorious in the impending by-election.
Wongbay, a ranking police officer, claimed she followed proper procedures by taking approved sick leave from March to June 24 before requesting additional time to campaign. But the LNP’s Facebook statement on Monday declared her reassigned for “ineffectiveness,” presenting her with an ultimatum: resign or face suspension.
She narrated to our Nimba County correspondent this week, “In March, this year, I took a sick leave; because normally in our setting, everybody is entitled to a leave, whether sick leave, travel leave, or any kind of leave. She added: “Either you should go for the leave or you are entitled to it; and most of the time they (LNP head office) know that when people go on leave, they don’t compensate them with anything. So, they will generally accept because they consume the benefit. The benefit that one’s supposed to get when you go on leave.”
She further explained: “So, it took like three months for leave. I left at the end of last month, on the 24th of June. So, I went back, and I asked for an excuse for my political affair. They said no, since I just came from leave they will not grant my excuse to run my politics. I either choose to resign or relieve my post as duty. I said no as per the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia revised, I am a public servant, not a civil servant. I said, I am a public servant and I can contest for an elected position; I only needed to put in for excuse.”
Following tense exchanges, she decided to proceed with her registration process to partake in the by-election since the deadline was approaching. However, the LNP, in a release published on its official Facebook Page early Monday, accuses Madam Wongbay of Prolonged Absence Without Leave (AWOL) — causing her to face disciplinary action for allegedly neglecting her responsibilities and violating the terms of her employment.
The Liberia National Police noted that Superintendent Madee Kamah Wongbay has been re-assigned from her previous assignment due to her ineffectiveness and prolonged absence totaling 117 working days without approved leave. “Prolonged Absence Without Leave (AWOL) — Superintendent Madee K. Wongbay– Reassigned for ineffectiveness and prolonged absence totaling 117 days without approved leave,” the portion of the release outlining Madam Wongbay’s punishment reads.
