Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe Advocates for Inclusive Representation in Nimba County

Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe criticized Vice President Koung for promoting divisive politics in Nimba County by urging support only for Gio-speaking candidates. He advocated for inclusive representation and endorsed Edith Gongloe-Weh as a qualified candidate. Gongloe emphasized the need to represent all tribes and warned against the financial implications of another by-election, citing the importance of women’s representation in Nimba’s governance.

Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, a former presidential candidate and son of Nimba County, has openly criticized Vice President Jeremiah Koung regarding his recent appeal for Nimbaians to support only Gio-speaking candidates in the upcoming senatorial by-election. Cllr. Gongloe emphasized that Nimba County should represent all tribes, not just the Gio-speaking population.

Vice President Koung had urged the Mah-speaking and other ethnic groups in Nimba to vote exclusively for candidates from the Gio or Dan groups. In response, Cllr. Gongloe held a news conference on March 24, 2025, asserting that a diverse representation of all tribes is critical for Nimba’s progress.

Gongloe highlighted that the existing representation in the Liberian Senate already includes candidates from the ruling Unity Party and their allies. To ensure balanced representation, he argued that opposition candidates should also be present in the senate. He stated, “Let us send a clear message: Nimba is a county where everyone—regardless of gender, district, or political affiliation—can serve.”

He advocated for the inclusion of marginalized groups, including women and various ethnic populations in Nimba, mentioning that this could restore inclusiveness during legislative elections. He urged voters to consider Edith Gongloe-Weh, a qualified female candidate who has previously served as the county’s Superintendent and has consistently performed well in prior elections.

Cllr. Gongloe pointed out the historical election patterns in Nimba, noting that all original districts have produced senators, except for Yarwin-Mehnsonnoh and Gbelley Geh. He stated that achieving representation from these underrepresented districts is essential for geographic balance.

He expressed that the current situation in the Senate requires representation from Lower Nimba, and referred to past elections where both Upper and Lower Nimba were represented. He noted that presently, one senator hails from Upper Nimba, thereby necessitating representation from Lower Nimba.

In discussing fiscal implications, Cllr. Gongloe warned against the costs of another by-election should the ruling party’s candidate win, emphasizing that Liberia is facing economic challenges that make such elections financially burdensome. He mentioned that investing in another election so soon after the previous ones would be an imprudent decision.

Gongloe highlighted the absence of women in the Nimba Legislative Caucus and noted that neighboring counties have successfully elected females to similar positions, thus Nimba should not lag behind. He argued that voting for Edith Gongloe-Weh would not only advocate for women’s rights but also reflect the true values of Nimba County.

The National Elections Commission has officially set the date for the Nimba Senatorial By-election for April 22, 2025, reinforcing the pressing need for thoughtful voter decisions in this pivotal moment.

Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe’s response to Vice President Koung underscores the importance of inclusive representation in Nimba County. By advocating for balanced representation across all tribes and endorsing Edith Gongloe-Weh as a capable candidate, Cllr. Gongloe calls for meaningful progress in governance. The upcoming senatorial elections will test the resolve of Nimbaians to choose leaders that embody inclusiveness and fiscal responsibility.

Original Source: thenewdawnliberia.com