AU Election Mission head urges government to criminalize militant group

By Lincoln G. Peters

The African Union (AU) Elections Observer Mission to Liberia has recommended to the Government of Liberia through the Legislature to develop a special Act to criminalize and disband all militant groups across the country.

Madam Phumzile Gloria Mlambo-Ngcuka, former South African Vice President and head of the AU Elections Observer Mission to Liberia made the call over the weekend.

“To the Government, work with the Legislature to develop a special Act to disband all militant groups in its entirety, and criminalize the formation, use, affiliation, and support of militant groups and individuals,” Madam Mlambo-Ngcuka stated.

According to her, the government should ensure that any amendment to the New Elections Law is done on time so that they can be implemented in the function of elections.

She recommended strengthening Liberia’s policies and legal framework that address the challenge of underrepresentation, participation, and inclusion of women, youth, and people with disabilities in politics.

Madam Mlambo-Ngcuka urged the government to work with all the media industry players to start a national conversation toward developing a media commission or authority that will regulate the media space.

“National Elections Commission: strengthen the public relations and communication strategies to make it more vibrant to be able to relate to current trends of information dissemination and public engagements,” she urged.

The AU Election Mission head further urged the NEC to move to the next stage of biometric voter registration (BVR) where the technology will not only be used to register voters but also, to verify voters on election day.

“Political parties, continue to abide by the commitments you have made in the Revised Farmington River Declaration in the post-election period and beyond,” she pleaded.

“Use the existing elections dispute resolution mechanism to address grievances and to do so within the provided timeframe and conditions.”

She called on the Liberia National Police (LNP) to investigate and prosecute all perpetrators of the violence that occurred during the election.

Additionally, Madam Mlambo-Ngcuka recommended that Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) initiate programs in the post-election environment that promote good governance, and improve democratic practices and nation-building.