President George Weah has issued a Proclamation declaring the 16th of November as “By-Election Day” and is to be observed as a Public Holiday only in the affected counties, which respective districts are to hold the By-Elections and with strict adherence to prescribed COVID-19 health Protocols.
According to a Foreign Ministry release, the Honorable House of Representatives of the 54th Legislature on February 4, 2021, February 18, 2021, February 23, 2021 and April 21, 2021, through the Honorable Chief Clerk, informed the National Elections Commission of four respective vacancies in the House of Representatives, affecting Bong County, Electoral District #2, Nimba County, Electoral District #1, Grand Gedeh County, Electoral District #1 and Bomi County, Electoral District #1, respectively in compliance with Chapter V Article 37 of the constitution of the Republic of Liberia. The Proclamation calls on citizens and foreign residents within the effected Counties, to respect, specifically, this public holiday as such.
The release also instructs all government offices, business houses, private and public institutions of learning and market places in the affected locations to be closed on that day, from six o’ lock ante meridian to six o’ clock post meridian.
The Proclamation further indicated that the Government of Liberia is desirous of ensuring the unhindered movement of eligible voters, grating unto them the opportunity to exercise their political franchise in the four electoral districts within the four counties, respectively in a peaceful manner on the day of the elections.
The Foreign Ministry release continues that, in the event of a vacancy in the Legislature caused by death, resignation, and expulsion or otherwise, the presiding officer shall within 30 days notify the Elections Commission thereof. The Elections Commission shall not later than 90 days thereafter cause a by-election to be held; provided that where such vacancy occurs within 90 days prior to the holding of general elections, the filling of the vacancy shall await the holding of such general election in keeping with Article 37 of the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, the Proclamation added.
picture credit Executive Mansion
