On April 15, candidates running in the Nimba County Senatorial By-elections reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the Farmington River Declaration, which promotes peaceful and non-violent elections. 

This commitment was made during the Inter-Party Consultative Dialogue organized by the National Elections Commission (NEC) with support from the UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project and its partners, including the European Union, Irish Aid, and Sweden. 

Opening the event, NEC Commissioner Barsee Leo Kpangbai stated that the purpose of the Farmington Declaration is to foster free, fair, and transparent elections. 

He emphasized that the declaration reinforces the commitment of political stakeholders to refrain from violence and uphold democratic principles during elections. 

Commissioner Kpangbai declared, “All candidates and their respective parties are expected to adhere to the principles outlined in the declaration, thereby promoting a peaceful electoral environment. Violations of the declaration will result in sanctions under our electoral laws.” 

He noted that the declaration highlights Liberia’s dedication to democratic values and the peaceful transition of power, reminding candidates and their supporters that they are obligated to uphold peaceful elections on April 22. 

Commissioner Ernestine Morgan Awar encouraged candidates to spread messages of peace and non-violence during the elections. 

She explained that the essence of the Farmington Declaration is to provide a blueprint for peaceful and credible elections, serving as a trademark for peace and a symbol of zero tolerance for violence against anyone. 

“Each time there is an election, we must ensure it is conducted peacefully, promoting unity and coexistence. After the elections, we must learn to live together as brothers and sisters. May peace prevail in this election,” she urged. 

Counselor Aagon F. Tingba, Political Parties’ Campaign Finance Specialist at UNDP LESP, recalled that the Farmington Declaration originated from the Ganta Declaration and emphasized that Nimba is uniquely positioned to promote and foster peace in Liberia. 

“On behalf of UNDP, we wish Nimba and the National Elections Commission the best during this by-election,” he stated

By signing the communique to uphold the principles of the Farmington Declaration, the candidates exhort their supporters to avoid actions that could lead to violence and undermine the integrity of the elections. 

Independent candidate Torbor Tee Wonokay Fangalo described the by-elections as “monumentally consequential” for Nimba and called on his supporters to refrain from violence. 

Samuel G. Kogar, representing the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), asserted that every citizen of Nimba has the right to exercise their franchise freely and encouraged his supporters to engage in peaceful political activities. 

“I am one of the original signatories of the Farmington Declaration. I hereby commit myself and my supporters to a peaceful and non-violent election,” he added. 

Matenokay R. Tingba, the candidate of the Vision for Liberia Transformation, urged his supporters to interact amicably with supporters of rival candidates. 

He stated, “If someone insults you, embrace them with love and friendship. We send a clear message to our opponents and supporters that elections and politics are not about insults. Politics is about presenting your ideology and convincing people of your leadership ability. It is not about conflict.” 

Mack Gblinwon of the Citizens Movement of Change urged his supporters to maintain peace. 

“Let's walk away from violence. Let’s avoid arguments. We must remember that Nimba is all we have, and Liberia is all we have,” he stated. 

The Farmington River Declaration, which stems from the Ganta Declaration, was originally signed in 2017 by 20 of the 22 registered political parties, committing them to an orderly and peaceful election. The declaration was revised in 2023, reaffirming the political parties' commitment to a violence-free election. The communiqué, based on the Farmington Declaration, was recently created specifically for this by-election and signed by the candidates.

The UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP) is co-funded by the European Union, Irish Aid the Embassy of Sweden and UNDP, and implemented in partnership with the NEC, UN Women and the Netherlands Institute for Multi-Party Democracy. It aims to strengthen national institutions and processes in promoting a more inclusive, participatory, and accountable democracy in Liberia.