ELECTING SANCTIONED INDIVIDUALS, A BAD SIGNAL FOR LIBERIA
Monrovia, Liberia – The Centre for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia, or CENTAL, has condemned citizen acts that resulted in the election of corrupt officials, particularly in light of the official declaration of election results that saw two of President Weah’s sanctioned officials elected.
“Electing sanctioned individuals into public offices is a bad signal, and as such, it sends the wrong message about the country to international partners.”
CENTAL Executive Director Anderson D. Maimen, at a press conference held at CENTAL’s headquarters on 22nd Street in Sinkor, said, sending a negative message about the nation. Maimen claims that the activities of its residents in placing elected officials under sanctions impede the nation’s development and may jeopardize financial assistance from abroad.
“We can’t continue to allow issues like these to happen; people who are accused of financial malpractice shouldn’t be given any chance to get into public offices.”
The CENTAL executive director, however, extolled the board of commissioners at the National Elections Commission for what he terms conducting a largely free, fair, and transparent process, despite some pockets of issues identified.
He added that during the 2023 presidential election run-off, CENTRAL demands increased justice, openness, and liberty. The head of CENTRAL expressed gratitude to all Liberians who lined up on October 10, 2023, to exercise their democratic right to vote for the leaders of their choice.
Maimen reveals that the 78% voter turnout that the National Elections Commission (NEC) reported is especially encouraging. It suggests that Liberians are becoming more confident in the democratic process. He applauded the enthusiasm voters showed; some of them hiked for hours in isolated locations to cast their ballots. This demonstrates voters’ conviction that elections are still the most powerful tool available to them to alter the destiny of their lives.
Maimen indicated that during the period of the election, CENTAL developed a “Reference Guide” to help voters make informed choices during the election.
CENTRAL issued a warning against casting ballots for candidates with dubious backgrounds, especially those whom the US government has sanctioned for serious political corruption that jeopardizes the interests of the people and the nation’s democracy.
The surveys’ results revealed something different. Out of the four recently approved officials running for office, three emerged victorious. Even though CEBTAL finds this decision repugnant, they promised to keep talking to their neighbors about their contributions to combating corruption and keeping public officials responsible.
Maimen encouraged Libeians to turn out for the 2023 run-off as they did in the October 10, 2023, general elections. Don’t allow others to make decisions for you, he pleaded with the populace. Put yourself at the center of the decision-making process by completing the task by showing up on October 14.
eported by: Lewis S Teh
Contact: +231777570863
