By Lincoln G. Peters
The Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa through its International Elections Observation Mission (EISA-IEOM) has extolled the National Elections Commission (NEC) for the timely and efficient preparedness in dispatching sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials.
EISA-IEOM has released its findings for the 14 November presidential runoff election between incumbent President George Manneh Weah and his rival Amb. George Manneh Weah.
Reading the report Thursday, 16 November 2023, Dr. Nevers Mumba, former Vice President of Zambia and head of EISA-IEOM said that in preparation for the 14 November polls, the organization observed the timely dispatch of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials.
According to him, in the southeastern counties, materials were sent by boat and EISA observers confirmed successful delivery in Maryland and Grand Gedeh.
“The NEC printed the presidential ballot papers and the Final Registration Roll (FRR) on time. This was a welcome improvement as political parties were able to educate their partisans on how to mark the ballot and refine their respective campaign and poll-watching strategies,” Dr. Mumba added.
He further indicated that the NEC faced persistent challenges in the recruitment of temporary staff, contesting political parties’ claims levied against the NEC for failing to conduct due diligence to determine the alleged political affiliations of NEC staff.
The former Zambia Vice President indicated that these complaints were more pronounced during the first-round results tabulation period following the arrest of some NEC officials for electoral malpractices.
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Meanwhile, making critical recommendations to the government of Liberia, NEC, and stakeholders for improved elections in the country, EISA-IEOM urged the government to consider appropriate electoral reforms to strengthen the existing legal framework.
“Clarify and strengthen legal requirements and establish measures to identify and deter incidents of voter trucking,” Dr. Mumba noted.
Consider the establishment of an intermediary court/electoral tribunal to hear and dispose of elections-related matters. Improve the media regulatory framework to reduce the leeway for journalists and media houses to report and publish unverified news. Traditional leaders, abstain from partisan politics in violation of the constitution and execute mandates with fairness’’ Dr. Mumba urged.
“Speaking to political parties and candidates, the EISA-IEOM head, appealed [to] political parties and candidates to leverage insights and knowledge gained from the 2023 election cycle to engage in consultations and implement suggestions for electoral reform.”
Dr. Mumba urged that parties refrain from unofficial pronouncements of election results, intimidation, violence, and political rhetoric and respect election management institutions and political diversity.
“To the Media, report only verified information and discourage inciteful language and dispel rumors around the conduct of elections,” he urged.
Dr. Mumba further stated that EISA congratulates Liberians for the peaceful conduct of the election and their calmness as they wait for the results from the NEC, adding that the early celebratory activities must be stopped.
“Liberians should wait for the official announcement from NEC. EISA will issue a final comprehensive report following the announcement of results and post-election day complaints and appeals.”
“The final report will form the basis of the EISA-IEOM’s contribution towards the consolidation of democracy in Liberia. Through its core team, the Mission will maintain its presence in Liberia until May 2024,” he concluded.
