Monrovia, April 14 -- As campaigning for the much-anticipated Nimba County Senatorial By-election intensifies, the National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NCSCL) has strongly condemned the rise in political violence and hate speech.

In a statement issued Friday under the signature of its Chairperson, Madam Loretta Alethea Pope-Kai, the Council expressed serious concern over the increasing tension in the county and urged all political actors to engage in peaceful and responsible campaigning.

The Council's reaction follows a recent violent disruption of the campaign activities of Candidate Edith Gongloe-Weh in Gborplay, Electoral District #4. Reports indicate that the lone female candidate narrowly escaped an attack while interacting...