NEC Will Demand 30% Women Candidates says Chairman Morris
By Patrick K. Wrokpoh

June 23, 2005 – (The Inquirer Monrovia) Frances Johnson- Morris says the commission will demand that 30 percent of all political parties candidates to contest the October elections must be women.

Cllr. Morris made this assertion over the weekend when she addressed a cross-section of women at a two-day workshop held at the St. Martins Catholic School in Gbarnga, Bong County.

The European Commission/Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAF) in collaboration with the Coalition of Political Parties Women in Liberia (COPPWIL) organized the workshop.

Held under the theme: "Gender Awareness and Gender Equality", the workshop was aimed at identifying common obstacles to women's participation in political leadership in the country.

Addressing the participants, who were over 30 in number and drawn from diverse political backgrounds in the country, Cllr. Morris said the National Election Commission's decision to demand that women constitute not less than 30 percent of political party candidates, is in keeping with a provision set forth in the electoral laws that the commission must abide by.

Dwelling on the theme, "Women and the Electoral Process", Cllr. Morris said when the commission submitted the proposed electoral reform bill to the NTGL for its approval, it was included that all parties contesting the process should submit to the commission a listing comprising of 30% women candidates.

She told the women that the inclusion of a clause for 30% women candidates in the elections is also part of the CPA, stressing that the NEC is therefore, using the constitution and the CPA as its working tools for the elections.

Cllr. Morris emphasized the need for women to be accorded their rightful place in society, adding, "this country can not develop if we continue to keep women in the backseat. We are all the same and as a matter of fact, women are better managers and more honest than men."

She pointed out that there is no law on the books that say that women should not participate in politics, stressing that everyone who is above the constitution age is free to vote and participate in politics as well as in the political governance of the country.

Cllr. Morris urged women throughout the country to continue striving to be in dominance relative to the leadership of the country by trying to be in positions were decisions are made.

The NEC Chairman also used the occasion to caution women to nurture the idea of getting to leadership to do better than men, adding, "you have to be qualified and independent if you want to make the difference."

For her part, Gender Minister Vaba Gayflor who addressed the opening section of the workshop said the request for 30% occupation of seats in the national legislature is just the first steps for them to take over the political leadership of the country.

She added that if women are given the chance, they can be reliable and trust worthy partners to their men when it comes to the national recovery of the nation.

For his part, the program coordinator of the EC/KAF, Dr. Heinz Jockers promised more assistance from his organization towards women's active participation in the political governance of the country.

The workshop addressed topics such as "Women and Society: Duties and Rights", "Women in Leadership" among others.

Facilitators at the workshop included Mrs. Kolubo Kollie, Attorney Muna Sio, Judge Comfort Natt, among others.
At the end of the workshop, a working group was established to work along with EC/KAF in finding ways to get women actively involved with the political governance of the country.

From: http://allafrica.com/stories/200506230591.html