Ellen, Carter Center chat on elections

President Ellen Johnson – Sirleaf has told U.S. group Carter Center’s Chief Executive Officer and Retired Ambassador Mary Ann Peters that the support of Liberia’s partners during the electoral and transitional processes here is very important for the nation and its people.

“These are very important times and I am committed to getting everything right. I am also sure that our political leaders, civil society, partners and all others are resolved to getting it right for the sake of Liberia”, President Sirleaf said Wednesday, 16 August.

Mrs. Sirleaf made the remark Wednesday when she received the Carter Center CEO Madam Peters when the Retired Ambassador led a 7-Member delegation to the Liberian Presidency at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Monrovia.

She told Madam Peters that consistent with the Farmington River Declaration, the Government of Liberia and all of the political actors will ensure not just free, fair, credible and transparent elections, but one that is very peaceful and violence-free to consolidate the democratic gains of the country.

Madam Peters is on a week-long visit to Liberia as guest of Carter Center Liberia Office. The Executive Mansion says President Sirleaf acknowledges the impressive partnership between Liberia and Carter Center, noting that the American institution has been a great friend to Liberia and its people.

She welcomes the delegation to Liberia and assures that her government is keen in helping to make the mission to Liberia a success. Key government officials including the Ministers of Justice, Health and Internal Affairs have provided insights on their partnership with Carter Center and commended the Center for being a true friend to Liberia and its people.

Also speaking, Retired Ambassador Mary Ann Peters, thanked President Sirleaf for the audience and provided update on her mission to Liberia. The Carter Center CEO has lauded the long-term partnership between Liberia and Carter Center, which she describes as rewarding and fruitful.

According to Madam Peters, Carter Center is keen on observing the presidential and representatives elections in Liberia, but will remain focused on its many projects including the mental health, access to justice, information, peacebuilding programs and identifying triggers or indicators for violence.

She has commended the Liberia National Police for its commitment to neutrality, maturity, professionalism and fairness thus far in handling security towards to the 2017 elections.

Ambassador Peters also highlights some of the many issues affecting women and girls and pledges to work with the government in tackling them. Also making remarks, Chief of Party Pewee Flomoku and Access to Information Lead Person, Thomas Doe Nah provided updates on interventions the Center has made in addressing hurdles identified in line with their respective program. They have acknowledged the cooperation of the government in enhancing their interventions.

Members of Ambassador Peters’ delegation include Dr. Dean Sienko – Vice President for Health; Dr. Eve Byrd – Director of Mental Health; Meaghan Fitzgerald – Mission Director, International Election Observation Mission; Pewee Flomoku – Chief of Party, Liberia; Dr. Janice Cooper, Project Lead, Mental Health Program; Thomas Doe Nah, Project Lead Person – Access to Information and Sarah Yoss.–Press release