MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The National Elections Commission (NEC) says it has begun the deployment of voting materials in eleven of Liberia’s fifteen counties.
The counties include Rivercess, Grand Gedeh, Maryland, River Gee, Grand Bassa, Bong, Gbarpolu, and Nimba, among others.
Speaking on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at the NEC weekly press briefing, the Commission Chairperson, Davidetta Browne-Lansanah, said voting materials for the remaining counties will be deployed soon.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) wants other regional and international organizations to impose penalties on those who would undermine Liberia’s peace during the elections.
The INCHR says recent visa restriction measures taken by the United States need to be strengthened and reinforced by ECOWAS, the AU, and the EU on individuals who threaten the country’s peace.
Addressing a news conference in Monrovia on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, INCHR Chairperson, Cllr. Dempster Brown condemned the Foya violence and called for perpetrators to be speedily brought to justice.
Cllr, Brown also reminded political actors that they will individually be held accountable for acts of lawlessness that result in the death of innocent persons.
The Independent National Commission on Human Rights statement in the wake of the recent election violence in Foya, Lofa County, which the Commission has described as wanton disregard for the rule of law.
At the same time, the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) says it has filed a formal complaint to the International Community about the alleged constant attacks on its partisans by the Unity Party (UP).
CDC National Chairman, Mulbah Morlu, said:” The party has documented reported attacks by the UP on its supporters, and will make the document available to the media, soon.”
Mr. Morlu was speaking on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at a news conference in Congo Town, outside Monrovia.
He said the CDC has always been law-abiding and will continue respecting the rule of law to protect the peace of the country.
The CDC National Chairman also urged partisans and supporters not to credence what he called “failed tactics” from the Unity Party.
Still on elections, the first two Presidential Debates for the October 10 General Elections have taken place at the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town.
The debates are organized by the Consortium of Media and Civil Society Organizations in Liberia, with support from USAID through Internews.
Tuesday’s debate brought together seven presidential candidates, including Simeon Freeman, Bendu Kromah, Allen Browne, Edward Appleton, Richard Miller, Sheikh Kouyateh, and Joshua Turner.
The seven presidential candidates were given equal opportunity to explain their platforms and debate on critical sectors, including infrastructure, health, economy, education, and governance.
Our reporter said common among their platforms were road, healthcare, the economy, women and youth empowerment, the fight against corruption, and strengthening the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the Movement for Progressive Change (MPC) Presidential Candidate, Simeon Freeman, has vowed not to resort to violence should he lose the election.
Mr. Freeman assured that he will do his best to ensure the decade of peace the country has enjoyed is preserved.
However, the MPC Presidential Candidate emphasized that the maintenance of peace is largely with the National Elections Commission, given its crucial role.
Another female Presidential Candidate, Bendu Kromah, craved the support of women and urged the country to return to a female presidency by voting for her.
Joshua Turner of the New Liberty Party bragged about having the best idea to transform the country and get it on par with others in the region.
By:Varflay Kamara/Frederick Teegwiah, Jr./Jonathan Grigsby
