Advancing Inclusive Elections Through the Participation of Women, PWDs, Youth and Observers

MONROVIA, LIBERIA - Thursday, 1 October 2026

Stakeholders representing women, persons with disabilities, youth and election observation organizations have gathered at One UN House in Monrovia for a one-day dialogue aimed at advancing inclusive participation in Liberia’s electoral process.

Consultations are being held as part of ongoing efforts to reform Liberia’s electoral laws, with participants bringing forward perspectives, experiences and recommendations from groups that have historically faced barriers to full participation in elections.

Discussions are focusing on findings from the Gender and Inclusion Analysis of Liberia’s New Elections Law, with particular attention to legal and institutional measures that can strengthen access, representation and meaningful participation.

Participants are also examining practical ways to ensure that women, persons with disabilities and young people are better positioned to participate throughout Liberia’s electoral cycle, while election observers contribute perspectives on transparency, accountability and public confidence.

Alongside the legal reform discussions, participants are developing advocacy strategies that can help advance proposed improvements and encourage broader engagement with electoral stakeholders, civil society organizations and decision makers.

Representing the National Elections Commission of Liberia are Oversight Commissioner for Gender, Josephine Kou Gaye; Commissioner Boakai A. Dukuly; Deputy Executive Director for External Relations, Samuel B. Cole; and staff members of the Gender Section.

Also participating in the dialogue are UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project Chief Technical Advisor, Katherine Green, and members of her team, together with representatives of UN Women Liberia.

Participants are expected to use outcomes from the dialogue to strengthen advocacy and contribute informed perspectives to Liberia’s electoral law reform process, with inclusion remaining a central consideration in efforts to improve participation in future elections.

The engagement provides an opportunity for diverse voices to be heard directly within ongoing electoral reform discussions, while encouraging stakeholders to identify practical measures that can help make Liberia’s elections more accessible, representative, and responsive to the needs of all eligible voters.

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