MONROVIA – The Liberian Senate is on the verge of making unprecedented history as they prepare to elect the second female Senate Pro-Tempore in the history of the legislative politics in Liberia, following in the footsteps of Madam Grace Beatrice Minor.
Henry Karmo | [email protected]
At present, Grand Bassa County Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence is poised to replace Senator Albert Chie of Grand Kru County, who is not seeking re-election after serving in that position for six years. However, the Pro-Temp position will not be handed to her on a silver platter.
Rumors are circulating that Margibi County Senator Emmanuel Nuquay has a vested interest in contesting for the position. However, he faces the challenge of rallying his colleagues’ support, as some have openly expressed skepticism about his ambition for the Pro-Temp position.
In contrast to Nuquay, Senator Karnga-Lawrence enters the contest with favorable prospects, enjoying the backing of incoming President Joseph Boakai and the majority of her colleagues in the Senate. There are speculations that President-Elect Joseph Boakai committed to supporting the Grand Bassa County Senator during the campaign, promising his support for her Pro-Temp bid in exchange for her support in his bid for the Presidency, after denying her the opportunity to be his running mate.
Senator Karnga-Lawrence is currently serving her second term as the Bassa Senator and chairs the Rules, Order, and Administration Committee at the Senate. If elected, she will be the second female in the history of the Liberian Senate.
Who is Senator Karnga-Lawrence?
Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence is a two-term Senator and the first female Senator of Grand Bassa County. Born and raised in Liberia, a small country on the west coast of Africa, she has endured significant adversity, including surviving a 15-year civil war that engulfed her homeland.
A renowned women’s rights campaigner and social justice activist, Nyonblee was first elected to the Senate in 2013 and reelected during the 2020 midterm elections.
Throughout her first term, she stood as the only female in a Senate comprising 29 men. Despite facing attempts by male chauvinists in the Senate to distract her, she persisted, earning nicknames such as the “lioness” and the “iron lady of the Senate.”
As Senator, Nyonblee has dedicated her time, energy, and resources to amplify the voices of Liberians, particularly those at the lowest socio-economic levels. She continues to confront powerful forces that threaten the economic and social well-being of the Liberian people.
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