RELEASE
Monrovia, Liberia – In order to shed light on why Liberia hasn’t held chieftaincy elections since 1999, the Honorable House of Representatives (HoR) has referenced officials from the National Elections Commission (NEC) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA).
According to the House Press Bureau, Representative Nehker Gaye of Nimba County’s District 3 informed the decision-makers on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
Article 56 B of the 1986 constitution, according to Representative Gaye, was broken by the protracted postponement of holding such elections.
He claimed that the law stipulates that the registered voters in each locality would elect Paramount, Clan, and Town Chiefs, who will hold office for a period of six years. He added that they are eligible for reelection and may only be removed by the president in the event of proven wrongdoing.
“The Legislature shall enact laws to provide for their qualifications as may be required.”
The legislator emphasized that there has been a notable break in holding local chief elections in different clans and chiefdoms throughout Liberia since the last chieftaincy elections in 1999.
“There has been no election for local chiefs in various clans and chiefdoms within the geographical space of Liberia, in fulfillment of Article 56 B, of the constitution of Liberia, which I feel that this is a usual and deliberate act in violation of our supreme laws of the Land.”
He called for the appearance of MIA and NEC officials to offer answers for this state of affairs, and he asked that plenary begin an investigation into the causes for the prolonged time without elections.
The National Elections Commission and the Ministry of Internal Affairs are scheduled to testify before the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.
The most recent move taken by Plenary demonstrates its dedication to respecting the terms of the constitution and making sure that the local chief election procedures follow the prescribed legal guidelines.
Photo credit: House of Representative
