Ahead of the upcoming Presidential run -off election in Liberia, the Women’s Situation Room (WSR) of the Angie Brooks International Centre (ABIC) for Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security through its ”Talking Bus” program conducted massive Civic and Voter Education in rural Liberia.
The “Talking Bus” is one of the tools of the Women’s Situation Room (WSR) mechanism which is implemented by the Angie Brooks International Centre (ABIC) for Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security.
The Talking Bus is a physical bus use by the WSR in communities with a PA system, microphone and a mandate to give residents the platform and opportunity to identify and discuss issues affecting their wellbeing.
The WSR observed that the lack of enough Civic and Voter Education (CVE) led to the staggering 114,639 invalid votes which represented 5.88% of the total votes cast in the just ended October 10, 2023 Presidential and Legislative Elections.
It may be recalled on Thursday, 26 October 2023, WSR presented its elections observation finding, expressing deep concern over the influx of invalid votes across the country.
Presentation of the findings, WSR Initiator and Establishment Coordinator of the Angie Brooks International Centre Cllr. Yvette Chesson-Wureh described CVE as paramount to democracy and national decision-making.
At the same time, NEC had informed Liberians that first-time voters constituted a little over 20 percent of registered voters – a figure which pointed to the priority of Civic and Voter Education.
Against the backdrop, in the commercial City of Gompa, Nimba County, on Thursday, November 9, 2023, the Women’s Situation Room held a vigorous civic and voter education exercise with residents of the City.
Similar exercise was carryout in Grand Bassa and Montserrado Counties. The WSR is expected to conclude its CVE exercise in Montserrado and Grand Cape Mount Counties in the coming days.
Prior to the “Talking Bus” engagement, the WSR held a day-long stakeholders engagement meeting with local authorities and citizens on issues of concern and way forward to maintain the peace.
At the start of the discussion, Cllr. Yvette Chesson-Wurehreminded stakeholders that the Women’s Situation Room is non political. She said the only political party is the Republic of Liberia and it is the duty of every citizen to ensure that Liberia is peaceful.
In brief remarks, the European Ambassador to Liberia, Nona Deprez stressed the need for Liberians to discourage hate speech, which she indicated will contribute to the peace of Liberia even when the election has been conducted and winner announced by the National Elections Commission (NEC).
At the same time, stakeholders during the discussion assured that the Presidential run off election scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, 2023 will be peaceful.
The engagement included officials of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), Liberia National Police (LNP) Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA, Elder Council, women, youth, religious leaders, as well as representatives of the political parties in the run off election. Also in attendance were European Union Observer Delegation and European Ambassador to Liberia, Nona Deprez.
The Civil and Voter Education and Community Engagement of the WSR aimed at Promoting peaceful electoral environment and community security in Liberia. At the same time, it seeks to provide information and education to residents about how to cast their vote, and at the same time adhere to security measures during the period of voting.
The program is funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) European Union, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and implemented by the Angie Brooks International Center for Women’s Empowerment Leadership development International Peace and Security.
