Liberia’s international partners, including ECOWAS and the United Nations, have issued a joint statement here, raising concern over recent reports of election violence, urges Liberian authorities to investigate and hold those responsible to account, while appealing to all Liberians to safeguard gains of the hard-won peace.
“We bring attention to inflammatory rhetoric which has the potential to instigate violence. We therefore urge political leaders to be active peace messengers promote issue-based campaigns and refrain from incitement of followers toward violent action, especially violence against women in elections and politics and, to resolve any grievance through established legal mechanisms. We further caution against the instrumentalization of the youth”, the joint statement issued on 31 August reads.
It says as Liberia commemorates 20 years of unbroken peace, the International Community in Liberia calls on the signatories of the Farmington River Declaration 2023 to abide by their commitment and promote the conditions for peaceful, transparent, and credible elections, prior to, during, and after the polls.
At the same time, the International Community in Liberia commends the Liberian-led and Liberian-owned electoral process, saying “We are mindful that the presidential and legislative elections will be the first to be primarily organized and administered by Liberia, since the drawdown of the United Nations Mission in Liberia in 2018. It is therefore a pivotal moment for Liberia to safeguard its peace and democracy and serve as an inspiration for Africa and the rest of the world.”
It also commends the National Elections Commission for the conduct of a generally well-administered and transparent biometric voter registration and candidate nomination process and for its continuing efforts to demonstrate its independence and impartiality, which is crucial for public confidence in the institution and the electoral process.
The International Community in Liberia reaffirms its unwavering support to the Government and people of Liberia in their efforts to consolidate peace and inclusive democracy.
The Joint Statement comes barely a month and few days to the 2023 Presidential and Legislative Elections in which 20 candidates, including incumbent President George Weah and a female, are vying for the Presidency. Joint Statement
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