PAYNESVILLE, Liberia — The Coalition of Political Parties Women in Liberia (COPPWIL) has concluded its leadership debate in Paynesville ahead of its upcoming elections, with a call for unity, mutual respect, and peaceful participation among aspirants.
The debate brought together women contesting for various leadership positions within the coalition to present their plans, articulate their visions, and demonstrate their readiness to serve.
It also aims to prepare the aspirants for the electoral process by providing them with an opportunity to communicate their priorities and engage participants on issues affecting women’s leadership.
Several candidates are vying for different positions, including President, Vice President, and Secretary, among others.
The event drew government officials, political representatives, civil society actors, and other stakeholders who participated in discussions surrounding women’s involvement in leadership.
It also provided a platform for candidates to interact with participants and explain how they intend to contribute to the growth and development of the organization if elected.
Speaking at the end of the debate on Friday, November 13, 2026, in Paynesville, Bong County District Six Representative, Moima Briggs-Mensah, urged women seeking leadership positions to prioritize unity over personal interests.
Representative Briggs-Mensah cautioned against divisions during and after the elections, emphasizing the need for women to maintain mutual respect regardless of the outcome.
According to her, the debate should provide women with an opportunity to demonstrate their leadership abilities, competence, and readiness to serve.
She challenged the aspirants to approach the electoral process with maturity and recognize that their collective interests are more important than individual ambitions.
Representative Briggs-Mensah also encouraged women to support one another throughout the electoral process, noting that leadership should not become a reason for disunity.
She stressed that those who emerge victorious should be willing to work with other candidates, while those who do not win should remain committed to the organization’s objectives.
The Bong County District Lawmaker further challenged women to prepare themselves for leadership positions in 2029, emphasizing that women’s participation in leadership should go beyond seeking positions within political organizations and extend to national decision-making processes.
Representative Briggs-Mensah expressed hope that the debate would contribute to strengthening relationships among women and encourage greater participation in leadership across Liberia.
She maintained that unity and cooperation remain important in advancing the interests of women, particularly as more women seek opportunities to serve in different capacities.
The leadership debate forms part of the coalition’s preparations for its upcoming elections, which will determine the individuals responsible for steering the organization’s affairs.
The coalition is expected to use the electoral process to select new leaders who will advance its objectives and strengthen women’s participation in Liberia’s political landscape.