On April 4 and 5, 2025, the National Elections Commission (NEC) with support from UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP) and its partners, the European Union In Liberia, Irish Aid, and Sweden held a Joint Civic and Voter Education (CVE)-Inclusion Public Engagement Forum and Tactile Ballot Guide Training in Sanniquellie and Tappita, Nimba County.

The forum covered several themes, including basic information on voting steps and procedures on how to participate in the by-election, the legal framework for electoral inclusion, the use of the Tactile Ballot Guide, and strategies to increase the participation of women, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and other marginalized groups in the electoral process.

Josephine Kou Gaye, the NEC Commissioner responsible for overseeing CVE and Gender, emphasized the significance of inclusive electoral education and urged everyone, particularly the residents of Nimba, to participate in the upcoming Senatorial By-election on April 22.

Commissioner Gaye noted that inclusive Civic and Voter Education (CVE) reflects a democratic society that values the participation of all individuals, including persons with disabilities. 

“Engaging persons with disabilities in civic and voter education empowers them to exercise their rights, actively participate in the electoral process, and make informed choices. No one should be left behind in electoral processes,” she stated.

Representatives from women’s groups and civil society organizations commended the NEC and its partners, including UNDP Liberia for organizing the activity. They encouraged participants to share their newfound knowledge with their communities.

A representative from the physically challenged community expressed that the training was particularly beneficial for visually impaired voters, empowering them to cast their votes independently on Election Day.

In a related development, on April 10, 2025, the National Elections Commission, in collaboration with UNDP and UN Women under the Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP), conducted a two-day dialogue on women’s political participation and the inclusion of youth and persons with disabilities in the electoral process in Ganta, Nimba County.

Over 50 participants from women’s rights groups, youth associations, community-based organizations, faith-based groups, and organizations supporting persons with disabilities participated in the dialogue, with funding from the European Union, Irish Aid, and Sweden.

NEC Commissioner Josephine Gaye emphasized that expanding the electorate goes beyond simply increasing numbers; it is also about promoting inclusion, equity, and ensuring that every Liberian, regardless of gender, can fully participate in the democratic process.

She stated, “Through voter education and outreach, the NEC is helping women not only to register and cast their ballots but also to find their voice.”

Marie-Paule Neuville, Program Officer for Governance and Democracy at the European Union, assured that the EU remains a strong partner in promoting democratic participation and inclusive governance in Liberia.

“The EU is proud to support initiatives that strengthen civic engagement, deepen trust in electoral institutions, and promote peaceful and inclusive participation,” she stated.

The dialogue aimed to enhance the participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in the electoral process and to promote inclusive civic engagement during and beyond the elections.

Nenlay G. Doe, the Coordinator of the National Union of Organizations of the Disabled (NUOD) in Nimba County, stressed the importance of making polling stations easily accessible for persons with disabilities.

She praised the past efforts by the NEC to make sure that voter registration centers were accessible for individuals with disabilities and urged the Commission to maintain this accessibility for polling places during the upcoming bi-election.  

The dialogue also aimed to empower underrepresented groups to engage in discussions within their communities regarding electoral and political themes, helping to increase awareness of electoral rights and the NEC’s commitment to inclusive practices through its Gender and Social Inclusion Policy.

Participants gained practical knowledge and tools to advocate for women’s leadership, promote inclusion, and lead community-level dialogues that encourage civic participation.

This activity is part of the #IncludeDoNotExclude civic and voter education campaign, which was launched on March 28, 2025, and contributes to LESP’s broader objective of strengthening electoral integrity, inclusion, and transparency.

UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP) is co-funded by the European Union, Irish Aid, and the Embassy of Sweden. It is implemented in partnership with the NEC, UN Women, and the Netherlands Institute for Multi-Party Democracy. 

LESP aims to support national institutions and processes in promoting a more inclusive, participatory, and accountable democracy in Liberia.