NIMBA COUNTY – As Nimba County prepares for the upcoming 2025 Senatorial election, Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, the 2023 presidential candidate and native of Glehyee Zorpeaye, has made a compelling call to the people of Nimba, urging them to elect Edith Gongloe-Weh, the only female candidate in the race. Gongloe-Weh, who hails from Yarwin-Mehnsonnoh Statutory District, is presented as the ideal candidate to address the historical imbalance in Nimba’s Senate representation, which has long seen a lack of gender inclusivity and geographic balance.
In a statement released on March 24, 2025, Gongloe emphasized the crucial need for Nimba to have representation from Lower Nimba, as the county currently lacks a senator from that region. Historically, the representation from Nimba has followed a pattern that ensured balance between Upper and Lower Nimba, but that pattern has been disrupted in recent years. Gongloe pointed to the 1997 elections as the last time the pattern was followed, with Senators Margaret Kermah from Tappita, Lower Nimba, and George Korkor from Gbanquoi, Upper Nimba, ensuring equal representation.
With the current senator from Upper Nimba already serving, Gongloe stressed the urgency of electing a candidate from Lower Nimba to restore this vital balance. He also highlighted the importance of gender representation, noting that there is currently no woman in the Nimba Legislative Caucus. Edith Gongloe-Weh, as the only female candidate in the race, presents an opportunity to correct this gap and allow Nimba to follow the example set by other counties like Bong, Grand Gedeh, and Grand Bassa, which have all elected women to their legislative bodies.
Gongloe also raised concerns over the fiscal implications of the upcoming election, particularly the candidacy of a sitting member of the House of Representatives from the ruling party. If elected, he would trigger yet another by-election, which would place additional financial strain on a country already facing cuts in foreign aid and economic hardship. Gongloe argued that Liberia could ill afford the cost of another by-election, especially so soon after the 2023 presidential and legislative elections. He called for responsible governance, urging Nimbaians to consider the long-term financial health of the nation when making their decision.
At the heart of Gongloe’s message is the notion of inclusion. He emphasized that by voting for Edith Gongloe-Weh, Nimbaians would be sending a powerful message that they value the contributions of women in national decision-making. Gongloe pointed out that the wellbeing of families is often tied to the wellbeing of women, and electing a woman to the Senate would give voice to the concerns of women and children in Nimba.
Further, Gongloe stressed the importance of including historically marginalized groups in Nimba, including ethnic communities such as the Krahn, Mandingo, Kpelleh, and Bassa (Gbi and Doru). He called for these groups to be given a fair chance during elections and for Nimba to be a county where all residents feel represented and included.
In his closing remarks, Gongloe reaffirmed his support for his sister, Edith Gongloe-Weh, acknowledging the personal relationship but stressing that his endorsement was based on her qualifications and leadership experience. He urged Nimbaians to vote for her as the best path forward for inclusive, balanced, and forward-thinking leadership in the Senate.
