By B. Linus Flomo
(Intern)
An Independent Representative candidate, Quanuquanei Afred Karmue of Bong County District 4, has expressed delight over his victory in the electoral dispute case against the National Elections Commission.
Speaking to some citizens in Bellemue Town last weekend, in the district, Karmue said the highest court’s ruling addresses the reported irregularities in the counting of votes in the district and show clearly, a commitment to election integrity.
Karmue also appreciated the electorates for their participation in the first round of the October 10, 2023 General Elections.
He, however, announced that, within seven days, a recount of votes would take place at Yowee Public School, polling places 1, 2, and 3, as well as Mbelequah polling places 1 and 2.
Quanuquanei Karmue said the December 7, 2023 ruling by the Supreme Court of Liberia reaffirmed the importance of addressing the reported irregularities in vote stealing and ensuring fair and transparent elections in Bong, and Liberia as a whole.
He also commended the judicial system for upholding these principles, despite the reported unethical acts demonstrated by the NEC workers at NEC’s Upper Bong Office in Gbarnga.
The independent candidate noted that the upcoming recount is crucial in ensuring accuracy and fairness in the electoral process, upholding the will of the people, and making sure that every legitimate vote is accounted for fairly.
As a candidate, he recommitted himself to representing the interests of the people, through the initiation of positive change and tangible developments for the entire district and its residents.
Quanuquanei further expressed deep sadness at what he calls the dishonest acts displayed by the NEC local office workers.
In the Supreme Court ruling on December 7, the court admonished NEC to guide itself against any act or conduct that would give a negative impression, by granting any candidate preference over other candidates.
In the just-ended October 10, 2023 General and Presidential Elections, the National Election Commission of Liberia Chairperson, Davidetta Browne-Lansanah, declared incumbent Representative, Robert Flomo Womba, the winner of the district.
According to NEC, the number of registered voters was 30,029, 24 precincts, while the turnout of reported polling places was 25,708 (85.61 percent).
The district’s seat was contested by 13 sons and daughters, with a total vote cast of 25,708, total valid votes of 24,002, and total invalid votes of 1,706.
The incumbent Representative of the Unity Party, Robert Flomo Womba, got 4, 954 votes (20.64 percent), Jonah N. Togbah of the CPP got 4, 873 votes (20.3 percent), while independent candidate Quanuquanei Afred Karmue got 4,097 votes (17.07 percent).
The National Elections Commission (NEC) of the Republic of Liberia is an autonomous agency in Liberia that supervises the national elections of Liberia.
