By Ethel A. Tweh
National Elections Commission (NEC) Chairperson Madam Davidetta Brown-Lansanah has told the Liberian Senate that the Commission is yet to receive an initial amount of US$4 Million from the Ministry of Finance to begin the 2023 elections process.
Appearing before the Senate Plenary Thursday, 9 March 2023, Madam Brown-Lansanah explained that the Ministry of Finance had promised to provide US$4 Million from the allotted US$10 Million for phase one of the processes leading to the conduct of the elections.
She added that the Commission earlier submitted a budget of US$91 Million, but it was reduced to US$51 Million following discussions between the Commission and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.
According to her, phases one and two were allotted US$10 Million each, and US$13 Million was allotted for phase three which is the final phase of the process.
Madam Lansanah said the date to release US$10 Million for phase one is 15 March 2023, while phase two is 16 April 2023. She added that payment for phase three is on 15 May 2023.
The NEC Boss revealed that these decisions were arrived at by the Minister of Finance, Samuel Tweah, and the Board of Commissioners of the NEC.
But up to date, Madam Brown-Lansanah said the Commission has not received the US$4 Million to jump-start phase one, contrary to the Ministry of Finance’s promise.
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Meanwhile, Madam Brown-Lansanah informed the plenary of the Liberian Senate that the biometric voter registration process is ongoing across the country.
She noted that some materials for the nationwide exercise arrived in the country some weeks ago, coupled with the training of staff for the smooth conduct of the process.
The NEC Boss indicated that several biometric voter registration demonstrations had been done, including marketing associations and political parties.
She also disclosed that plans are underway with the consent of the Liberian Senate, to do a demonstration for both houses of the 54th Legislature.
The Liberian voters and nonvoters are more concerned about the actuality plus factuality of the forth coming election, October. 2023. With a sky arrow radar pointed at all officials responsible for election activities from all three branches of Government, let the stocks and bonds appropriated to NEC in. There will be no more election stealing because election funds like development funds have been polarized as archived funding for all Liberians, and no doubt will be left for the past, present and future. Can no longer be encumbered after one election, as was done before and after the civil war. Supply the funds now or face automated funding.
Thank you very much. I enjoyed reading the NEC story. I think you captured exactly what is unfolding between the NEC and Ministry of Finance.