Lawmaker-elect Dahn confidence of taking seat
-as defeated Solomon George loses appeal again
By Kruah Thompson
Montserrado County District 7’s newly elected lawmaker, Emanuel Dahn, says the law prevails after the National Elections Commission (NEC) dismissed his predecessor Representative Solomon George’s appeal for the fourth time.
In dismissing the defeated CDC lawmaker’s appeal, the NEC cites a lack of evidence and an inability to defend the complaint against its Supervisor, Cyrus Blade.
Defeated Rep. George had complained to NEC Board of Commissioners on October 14, 2023, citing irregularities and electoral malpractice after his main challenger, Emanuel Dahn, was declared winner of the October 10, 2023, General and Presidential elections.
However, Dahn, addressing the media on Tuesday, December 19, expressed that George’s repeated appeals aim to disrupt the people’s decision, noting that “The law is the law, and nothing can be done to change it.”
Dahn: “When the people repose confidence in somebody capable of leading, nobody can change that, no matter the attempts to undermine it.”
He stresses that the election results are final, saying “The district has spoken” and calls on his supporters to celebrate.
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However, despite anticipating further resistance from George, Representative-elect Dahn says he is committed to reconciliation but won’t wait for his opponent to step out.
His lawyer, Cllr. Jonathan Massaqua, spoke on the legal aspects, asserting that an attempt to circumvent the law would deny District 7 representation in the House.
Cllr. Massaqua highlights that defeated Representative George, after being afforded the chance for due process by NEC, failed to provide evidence in his complaint against Supervisor Cyrus Blade.
When asked about the possibility of the case reaching the Supreme Court, the counselor affirms their preparedness, citing the NEC regulations that require the complainant to provide and defend evidence.
“His complaint was not against Emanuel Dahn; his complaint was against the supervisor”, he clarifies.
Meanwhile, atmosphere at the headquarters of the NEC on 9th Street in Monrovia remains tense, as legal battles unfold, leaving District#7 in anticipation of its duly elected Representative, Emmanuel Dahn, taking office in January 2024 without any further hindrance. Editing by Jonathan Browne
