CALLS ON LIBERIANS TO BEGIN REVIEWING ELECTORAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS BEFORE OCTOBER 10 ELECTIONS
Monrovia, Liberia – Prior to the presidential and legislative elections on October 10, the Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia has urged the populace to analyze the electoral rules and regulations in order to challenge those that are currently invalid in the nation.
Politicians should hire attorneys to review the electoral laws and rules, according to Associate Justice James Etta Howard-Wolokollie, as some of the laws may not be applicable given the numerous obstacles, such as bad roads and disregard for the application of some Liberian Constitutional provisions.
The decision was announced by Justice Wolokollie when she spoke about “Justice and Rule of Law- A Component To Free and Fair Elections” at the Bishop Arthur F Kulah Lecture Series Launch by the Liberia Council of Churches on Thursday, June 29, 2023, in Monrovia.
Justice Wolokollie asserted that certain pre- and post-election procedures may not be covered by current rules and guidelines established by NEC on August 22, 2016, given the time frame of the Liberian election cycle.
The electoral justice system must be seen to act effectively, displaying independence and impartiality to promote justice, transparency, accessibility, inclusiveness, and equality, according to Justice Wolokollie, who also maintained that the design of an appropriate justice system is fundamental to democratic legitimacy.
“Because any perception that the system is not sound and robust may jeopardize its credibility and cause the electors to question their participation in the electoral process or even reject its final results, the electoral laws and NEC regulations and guidelines must provide the framework for the conduct for free, fair, and inclusive elections.”
She claimed that the majority of the time, problems arise because some political parties and independent candidates do not hire attorneys to assist them during the electoral process but rather do so only when a challenge is filed, and some of the attorneys are not up to date on NEC rules and regulations.
“Lawyers representing a political party or an independent must be knowledgeable of the election laws pertaining to the electoral process, and they must not incite their clients by persuading them that decisions against them are incorrect when the fault is due to their misinterpretation of the electoral laws and NEC’s regulations.”
Reverend Doctor Samuel Reeves, president of the Liberia Council of Churches, said in his annual address that the LCC will continue to advocate for peace, democracy, and the rule of law in the nation. The current leadership and its members will continue to be politically impartial, independent, and support the respect for human rights, according to the President of the Liberia Council of Churches.
”You are urged to vote in the interests of all Liberians as a whole rather than being motivated just by tribalism and sectionalism. Pastors you are encouraged to lead your congregations to vote and vote their consciences under the inspiration and influence of only the Holy Spirit.”
According to the LCC President, the council members will uphold their pledge of impartiality and political neutrality, which is based on godly integrity.
He claimed the Liberia Council of Churches will collaborate with the Liberian government but refuse to accept funding from it for national church-related initiatives like the July 26 celebration and Fast and Pray Days.
Reverend Dr. Arthur F. Kulah, Bishop-emeritus of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Olubanke King Akerele, a former foreign minister, and Elder Eddie Deputie were recognized during the program as Award Celebrants in the LCC Hall of Fame and received certificates from Justice Minister Frank Musa Dean.
Over 150 delegates, current and previous government representatives, and LCC partners attended the ceremony to commemorate the start general assembly.
Delegates adopted a number of resolutions at the 34th conference of the Liberia Council of Churches, which had as its theme: “National Peace and Justice- An Imperative for Sustainable Growth and Development,” and ended on Friday, June 30, 2023.
Reported by: Augustine Octavius
Contact: +231777463963
Email: augustineoctavius@gmail.com
