Africa-Press – Liberia. The National Civil Society Council of Liberia has successfully concluded its General Assembly elections, ushering in a new leadership team tasked with steering the affairs of the umbrella organization for civil society groups across the country for the next three years.
The elections, held from December 17 to 20 in Sinja, Grand Cape Mount County, culminated in the selection of W. Lawrence Yealue, II, a prominent voice in Liberia’s civil society space, as Chairperson of the Council. Yealue, who currently serves as Country Director for Accountability Lab Liberia, was elected on a white ballot and will formally assume leadership after a scheduled induction ceremony early next year. He will succeed Madam Loretta Alethea Pope-Kai, who has led the Council for six years across two successive three-year terms and opted not to seek re-election in accordance with the Council’s constitution and by-laws.
The General Assembly, which convenes every three years as the highest decision-making body of the Council, also elected other members of the executive leadership. Alexander Nyan retained his position as Co-Chair, defeating veteran journalist and rights advocate Madam Veronica Songor-Johnson by a margin of 29 votes, securing 78 votes against Songor-Johnson’s 49, with six ballots deemed invalid. Despite advocating for gender and regional balance in leadership, Songor-Johnson fell short of securing the Co-Chair position.
Two positions for Member-At-Large were filled by Cecelia T. Nimely and Jennant Paye, both elected on white ballots. All five Regional Coordinator slots were also filled on white ballots. However, no candidate registered for the position of Treasurer, leaving that post vacant pending a future election or appointment.
At the close of the elections, outgoing Chairperson Pope-Kai underscored the significance of the Council’s independent electoral process, noting that it marked a departure from previous years when government intervention was often required to manage internal voting. She emphasized that the elections were credible and transparent, paving the way for a smooth transition of power to the newly elected executive team. Pope-Kai also called for unity within the Council and reaffirmed her commitment to mentoring and advising the incoming leadership, even as she prepares to step down following the formal induction ceremony in early 2026.
Yealue, speaking after his election, highlighted the need to elevate the civil society sector into a transformative pillar of national governance. He emphasized that the Council’s role extends beyond observation and advocacy, noting that the organization must actively engage government institutions, the media, and the private sector to ensure accountability, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law. He pledged that the Council under his leadership would focus on constructive dialogue with the presidency and Legislature, innovation, and legal compliance, while ensuring that the voices of Liberians directly influence national governance. He stated that the era of civil society being overlooked would end and promised a future of active citizen participation in Liberia’s development.
As a passionate advocate for youth and good governance, Yealue has been at the forefront of anti-corruption efforts in Liberia while empowering citizens to champion integrity, system reforms, and civic responsibility.
Co-Chair-elect Alexander Nyan expressed gratitude to the Council’s members for their maturity and conduct during the elections. He pledged to work collaboratively with Yealue and the new leadership team to advance the objectives of the Council, strengthen civil society engagement, and promote transparency and accountability across Liberia’s governance institutions.
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