By: Laymah Kollie
A national women-led election observation group under the banner of Project
Accountable Safe Space (PASS) has issued several key recommendations
to the National Elections Commission (NEC) and other relevant authorities
following its thorough monitoring of the recent Nimba Senatorial by-election.
Foremost among its recommendations is the call for the NEC to establish a
dedicated social media monitoring unit to track and address
online electoral violations and misinformation. PASS emphasized that such a
unit would significantly enhance NEC’s ability to investigate and respond to
the spread of disinformation and misinformation during electoral periods.
This recommendation follows the just-ended Nimba by-election, during which
Several disinformation narratives were identified and verified by fact-checking
entities. During the release of its post-election report on Monday, May 19,
In 2025, at Fuzion in Sinkor, PASS noted that NEC was unable to tackle online
violations due to the absence of a specialized body for monitoring digital
platforms.
Through its Women’s Accountability Room, PASS observed the election process
before, during, and after the vote. Presenting the group’s final observation
report, Madam Facia Harris stated that misinformation and
disinformation posed significant challenges during the campaign period.
Further lamented that Social media platforms, particularly Facebook, were
identified as primary channels for spreading false narratives aimed at
misleading voters and undermining confidence in the electoral process.
Although civil society organizations and youth groups, including the
proponents of the “Ganta Declaration” promoting peaceful campaigning—made
In efforts to combat online hostility, PASS still recorded widespread hate speech,
especially targeting women and advocating against gender equality.
Notably, the group also documented instances of media partisanship, including a broadcaster
openly endorsing a candidate.
“A social media monitoring unit must be established by NEC to ensure it is
fully aware of violations and misinformation being circulated online, and to
respond with accurate information promptly,” Madam Harris asserted.
She further highlighted systemic barriers to gender equality, particularly
those impeding women’s political participation and representation.
PASS has recommended that NEC proactively address public violence
against women in politics and provide timely updates on complaints filed
regarding violence against women in elections (VAWE), adding that the NEC must
enforce strict auditing and financial disclosure requirements to prevent unfair
political advantages and apply punitive measures for violations.
The group has also recommended that NEC strengthen misinformation monitoring
systems, hold online violators accountable under the penal code, and establish
clear penalties for online harassment targeting female candidates, raise awareness on peaceful campaigning to prevent candidate obstruction, and ensure inclusive electoral participation and
Improve protective measures, including law enforcement support, to address
online and physical threats against women in politics.
In addition, PASS has called for an upgrade
sanitation, lighting, and accessibility at polling centers to ensure a safe and
equitable voting environment for women, noting that the Ministry of Education
must ensure that children are not involved in election campaigns and work with
NEC to regulate the use of school facilities during elections.
PASS wants to increase funding to enable these groups to effectively conduct
civic and voter education and at the same time, prioritize the training of
County-bas security forces are likely to respond during electoral crises.
PAS has, however, commended NEC for its orderly conduct of the Nimba County
by-election, acknowledging the commission’s progress while stressing the need
for stronger enforcement of accountability measures against electoral
violations.
The event drew national and international partners, including the Embassy
of Ireland, UNDP, WANEP, and LEON, all of whom praised PASS for its impactful work during and
after the electoral process.
Madam Eedmer Hughes, representing the Irish Embassy, lauded the vibrancy and robust engagement of civil society actors throughout the
election period in Nimba County.
PASSWAR—hosted by the Organization for Women and Children (ORWOCH)—serves
as a platform for women’s organizations to observe, monitor, and advocate for
legal accountability in cases of political violence against women.
The initiative focuses on documentation, voice amplification, and dismantling
systemic barriers to women’s political inclusion, particularly violence and
discrimination.
