The Standard Bearer of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), Mr. Alexander Cummings, says inadequate funding to the National Elections Commission (NEC) puts the country democracy, peace and security at risk, which is totally unacceptable.
Cummings said he has often raised the issue of inadequate funding to the electoral process, a glaring act of incompetence on the part of President George Weah’s administration.
The CPP Standard Bearer said the inability of the Weah’s administration to timely fund the NEC, is a gross violation of the Liberian Constitution that will ultimately put the country’s peace and security at serious risk.
He stressed the urgent need to adequately fund the electoral process and hold the NEC accountable to conduct free, fair and transparent elections that reflect the actual will of the Liberian people.
Cummings said he will remain vocal about the adequate and timely funding of the electoral process and will galvanize opposition Political Parties to discuss the need for the CDC government to realize this critical responsibility of funding the NEC.
He made the assertion during an interview with the VOA on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
The National Elections Commission had requested US$91 million for the conduct of 2023 General and Presidential elections, but was reduced to an estimated US$50 million of which the Ministry of Finance is said to be releasing in bit and pieces.
NEC Chairman, Davidetta Browne Lasannah, complained last week of inadequate funding by the government of President Weah to conduct the General and Presidential elections slated for October 10, this year.
The Commission said it had up to this week received less than US$20 million of the US$50 million allocated for the electoral process.
On the issue of the National Population and Housing Census recently concluded, the CPP Standard Bearer said there are serious concerns about the integrity of the Census.
Cummings said he is awaiting the details of the Census for proper analysis and evaluation by a team of specialists, to make an informed decision.
The CPP Standard Bearer spoke on a wide range of issues aimed at restoring good governance, improved health care, education, economic revitalization, job creation, and ensuring national security for all Liberians and foreigners on the shores of Liberia.
