Senate Protem Albert Chie has spoken against any attempt to ban anyone from contesting in the upcoming 2023 Presidential and Legislative elections due to corruption allegations or sanction by the US Government amidst calls for sanctioned officials to be denied from contesting.
No one may be punished in Liberia without first being found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law or by an equivalent tribunal, according to Article 20(A) of the Liberian Constitution.
The Supreme Court’s ruling in Wolo v. Wolo, Re: (5LLR423)(1937), outlines the elements of due process, holding that it is unconstitutional to deprive anyone of their property or other rights without notice, an opportunity to appear and cross-examine witnesses, and that judgment can only be rendered after a trial.
According to the Protem, Any person who is forced to quit, so losing their job and self-respect due to a claim that has not been established via due process, is being abused, which is against our country’s fundamental legislation.
Additionally, Article 17 of the 1986 Constitution protects the freedom to associate with whoever a Liberian chooses, unless there is harm to public safety or national security.
Protem Chea noted that neither they nor their prior colleagues have enacted rules that prevent any Liberian from taking part in a political or another civic process without first being convicted and found guilty in accordance with the constitutional principle of Due Process.
The Senate Protem Albert Chea made the statement at the close of the third section of the 54th Legislature.
