Young people told to refrain from violence

The President of the National Health Workers Association of Liberia or NAHWAL, Joseph S. Tamba has called on Liberian youth to refrain from violence as the country heads towards presidential and representative elections.

He said all political grievances should be channeled peacefully to the appropriate authorities; stressing that “Liberia is the only country we have.”
Speaking to NewDawn in an interview in Monrovia, Tamba indicated that eligible voters, who are saying they will not vote in 2017 because those people they elected in previous elections did nothing for them, should take a second thought.
He said all eligible voters should go to register and understand that their vote is their right, adding that coming out to cast their ballots on elections day would help to change the bad condition the country continues to go through in terms of abject poverty.
“We can only change the condition of abject poverty by the way of voting come 2017 general and presidential elections,” Mr. Tamba.
The NAHWL President noted that recent threat by doctors to boycott work in demand of three months salaries, clearly indicates that the Government of Liberia has failed the health sector here.
“When you see President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf begging doctors for the delay of their three months salaries, that means there is something in it,” he said.
He said Liberian youth should realize that in order for the country to develop, they must desist from violence. Editing by Jonathan Browne
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EMOL wants civic and voter’s off the ground

A local group, the Emancipation Movement of Liberia (EMOL) is calling for massive supports for civic and voter’s education ahead of the 2017 elections in Liberia.

In a press release EMOL said effective and efficient civic and voter’s education is key to popular participation of citizens in electoral activities.

It said support would enable civil society organizations to avert low turnout of electorates during the upcoming elections.

The group said support and civic and voter’s education activities are being slowly done by both donors and the National Elections Commission.

EMOL therefore appealed to both local and international organizations, including the United Nations Agencies to support NGOs and civil society organizations to conduct effective civic and voter’s education nationwide.

It stressed the need for the government to attach seriousness to civic and voter’s education because awareness and civic engagements are crucial citizens participation in the process.

According to EMOL, in past elections, most citizens were victims of limited information and education on electoral processes, thus, they could cast their votes.

It said such situation has confused citizens about how to use the power of their votes and how they could as well use same to hold both elected and appointed officials accountable.

EMOL is a civic and advocacy organization established by Liberians at home and abroad and duly registered at home and in the United States of America. Press release