Low turnout is been observed in the ongoing candidate nomination exercise in the main center of the National Election Commission at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville.
This was observed when this paper visited the Sports Complex where few independent aspirants had gone to collect their package through a process headed by Cllr Teage Jalloh, of the NEC.
Though, he did not speak to the low turnout, he told the media that the process is on course because those seeking for elected public offices in the pending presidential and legislative elections can easily pick-up candidate nomination package.
He said as far as he is concerned, the process is progressing since it got underway on Wednesday, June 14 and shall last up to Friday, July14 and urged those desirous of seeking elected public offices to advantage of the time table.
NEC’s 2023 campaign guidelines on qualifications for elective public office states that for the presidency, one must be a natural born Liberian citizen of not less than 35 years old, be owner of unencumbered real property valued at not less than $25, 000 and be resident in the Republic 10 years prior to the October 10, 2023 and any other requirements provided for in the New Elections Law of 1986, the 2023 candidate nomination and any other election regulations.
For Senator, be a Liberian citizen of not less than 30 years old; be domiciled in the county to be represented not less than one year prior to October 10, 2023; and be a regular taxpayer; and any other requirements provided for in the New Elections Law of 1986, the 2023 candidate nomination and any other election regulations.
While for the Representative, one must be Liberian citizen of not less than 25 years old; be domiciled in the constituency to be represented not less than one year prior to October 10, 2023; and be a regular taxpayer; and any other requirements provided for in New Elections Law of 1986, the 2023 candidate nomination and any other election regulations.
However, reports from various registration centers across the country suggest that the low turnout of would-be aspirants for either senatorial or representative offices is due to their inability to meet the huge requirements
It said seekers of elected public office mainly independent aspirants are struggling to meet requirements including but not limited to one who must meet and clear their tax obligation with the government through the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and with a bank balance of US$10, 000 as well as submit a publication of petitioners’ listing in at least two well-known local daily.
“What is worth drawing the attention of the public to the requirement is that the NEC does not countercheck if the names and contacts on the petitioners’ listings are correct, valid or the entire aspect is intended to discourage those seeking public offices as independent candidates,” an aspirant expressed in frustration.
