By Bill W. Cooper
The balance of over US$3 million as support to the National Elections Commission (NEC) for the conduct of the December 8, 2020 election exercise is hampering it from settling its obligations even though the process gradually comes to a close.
The NEC seems to have reached its full stretch with vendors and other contractors hired during the conduct of the 2020 election and referendum when the Commission’s Chairperson, Davidetta Brown-Lansanah, openly reminded the government to speedily release the remaining funds to enable them pay those who were hired.
Speaking yesterday during the long-awaited certification ceremony of Botoe Kanneh as Senator of Gbarpolu County and Wellington Geevon-Smith as Senator of Rivercess County, Madam Brown-Lansanah emphasized that the remaining funds are intended to enable the Commission settle its debts with both local and international vendors and also cater to other staffs who were contracted by the NEC during the December 8 elections.
The NEC boss further explained that at it stands, the Commission is unable to settle its obligations due to the government’s delay in making available the remaining amount. She however lauded the government for the provision of the initial amount for the smooth and successful conduct of the Special Senatorial and Representatives By-elections including the National Referendum across the country.
Madam Brown-Lansanah further admonished Liberians that election matters in Liberia are everybody’s business and as such, the entire citizenry including the NEC, government officials, senators and representatives should and must commit themselves to the rule of law as the surest way of maintaining peace and democracy in Liberia.
Meanwhile, the NEC chairperson further disclosed that all matters of election disputes that were before the Commission have now been passed upon in keeping with its statutory mandate as an institution.
“My fellow Liberians, I am pleased to announce today that all electoral dispute cases from the just ended December 8, 2020, Special Senatorial and Representatives by-elections have been adjudicated and fully disposed of,” she noted.
Madam Brown-Lansanah however revealed that the decision was in line with the complainants from Sinoe and Grand Cape Mounty Counties regarding electoral disputes and were excepted to, when their legal counsels announced appeals to the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, both Senators Kanneh and Geevon-Smith have submitted their certificates along with their respective credentials to the Liberian Senate.
The senators’ communications were forwarded to Senate Committee on Rules, Orders and Administration as required by the Senate standing rule.
The senators are expected to be officially inducted into office today to represent their respective counties.