The National Elections Commission (NEC) and registered political parties have joined forces to promote gender equality in Liberian politics.
In a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two entities, a minimum 30% gender quota has been set for the 2023 Presidential and Legislative Elections. The MoU also requires that not less than thirty percent of the candidates listed must be women and submitted to the NEC during the nomination period.
Moreover, political parties are mandated to create an environment that encourages female candidates to actively participate in all political activities leading up to the October elections. To this end, political parties are expected to work collaboratively with female candidates to mobilize the necessary funding for campaigning and other political activities.
NEC Chairperson, Davidetta Browne-Lansanah, praised Liberia’s international partners, political parties, and civil society organizations for their support in making the MoU a reality.
During the signing of the MoU on Thursday, May 11, 2023, in Monrovia, Deanna Morris from the Rainbow Coalition called on political parties to implement the terms of the MoU.
Meanwhile, Mulbah Morlu, National Chairman of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), speaking on behalf of male political party members, assured that the MoU will be demonstrated at all levels of their respective party structures.
