Monrovia, Liberia – The LFA Elections Committee has rescheduled Liberia’s football elections for May 15. Candidates now have only five days to guarantee their spot on the ballot. After a court injunction that had halted the proceedings was lifted, Meo D. Beyan stated in a formal statement released late on Monday, April 13, that the elections will take place in Paynesville City, Montserrado County.
The Elections Committee said it will firmly enforce the deadline for prospective candidates to turn in their applications and fees to the LFA Secretariat in Congo Town by 5 p.m. on April 17. All prospective candidates must carefully comply to these new dates due to the delay caused by the recent judicial proceedings, according to Beyan. After the deadline, applications will not be accepted.
The LFA’s 2018 Approved Statutes and the March 8, 2026 guidelines, which have been at the center of a legal dispute between incumbent LFA President Mustapha I. Raji and challenger Cassell Kuoh, will be the basis for the committee’s eligibility evaluation of candidates from April 18 to April 30.
On April 30, the Official Candidates List is anticipated to be released, revealing which candidates are eligible to run for office. FIFA has also been informed by the Liberia Football Association of the court’s ruling and the start for new elections. FIFA has accepted the update and stated that it will continue to be involved and closely monitor every action to guarantee adherence to international law.
The international body’s engagement reflects the high stakes because additional legal challenges could lead to intervention measures like the creation of a normalization committee or potentially Liberia’s removal from international football.
Although the updated schedule permits the LFA to keep up its momentum in the wake of the court decision, it offers little opportunity for postponement as candidates rush to reach the deadline. With only a few days left before applications close, speculation has focused on whether Kuoh will formally enter the campaign in light of his recent court victory and whether other candidates will show up to run against Raji for a third term.
Raji explained that there is no sunset clause in the LFA Statutes that would leave a leadership void in the event of electoral delays at his monthly media briefing at the LFA’s offices in Congo Town on Monday, April 13. Raji addressed a group of sports writers, stating, that there is no law that says LFA office should be abundant if elections are not held after April 18. He noted that until elections are held, the leadership of the LFA is still in place.
The controversial criminality clause in the statute, which has generated intense discussion among prospective candidates, was another topic covered by the LFA President. Raji cautioned that he lacks the exclusive power to change the law, despite calls for a quick reform to permit wider involvement. He pointed out that “if he went to the table as President and said, I will compromise the statutes, it would put me and members of the Executive Committee at risk, including possible removal.”
Citing the historical precedent of George Weah, who was previously declared ineligible for the LFA presidency because he did not match the statutory qualifications at the time, he reaffirmed the association’s strict adherence to its regulations.
In what is anticipated to be a crucial election for Liberian football’s future, the upcoming days are anticipated to influence the outcome. Application Window April 13–17(Closes April 17, 5:00 PM), Vetting & Candidate Verification Process April 18–30, Publication of Final Official Candidates List April 30, and ELECTIVE CONGRESS (Paynesville City) May 15.
