By Naneka A. Hoffman
The Chairperson of the Elections Coordinating Committee (ECC) Cllr. Oscar Bloh is commending the National Elections Commission so far, for the level of transparency in the votes tallying process, while condemning disruptions at tallying centers in Nimba and Montserrado counties, respectively.
Addressing a news conference in Monrovia over the weekend, Cllr. Bloh urged the NEC to scale up the announcement of results and to pronounce cumulative percentages acquired by each political party of the total valid votes announced daily.
He says the ECC condemns disruptions of the tally centers in Sanniquelleh, Nimba County and at the SKD Sports Complex in Montserrado County.
He reveals that in Nimba County, ECC observer reported that Mr. Garrison Yealue, Chairperson of the Governance Commission appeared at the Magisterial Office with seven vehicles, carrying supporters of the CDC to file a complaint.
According to him, the observer reported that some of the CDC supporters allegedly attempted to enter the tally center and their presence disrupted the tallying proceeding, which led to suspension of the entire process for several hours, compelling national and international observers to leave the center.
He notes that the situation was brought under control with reinforcement from the Joint Security Taskforce.
At the SKD Sports Complex in Montserrado, Cllr. Bloh explains that ECC observers reported that the tallying process was abruptly disrupted allegedly by supporters of the Coalition for Democratic Change.
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According to him, the disruption lasted for three hours (7pm-10pm) and the scale of the interference placed the lives of observers at risk, but tallying resumed subsequently at the two centers.
He notes that these incidents are calculated attempts to interfere with the tallying process, undermine the credibility of the election results and compromise the integrity of the outcome of the elections.
He reminds all political actors of the U.S. Government Visa Sanction to target individuals who interfere with the election process.
He calls on the Minister of Justice, as head of the Joint Security Taskforce, to instruct the Liberia National Police to arrest individuals who were linked to the disruption of the tallying process.
At the same time the ECC chairperson urges the Police to be more vigilant and to reinforce its presence at all of the tallying centers across the country to avoid any further disruptions. Editing by Jonathan Browne
