Several Sarpo elders, operating under the banner “The Concerned Sarpo Elders” in Monrovia, have called for a reelection of the Sarpo Apoliabo Development Organization’s (SADO) leadership, citing concerns about the integrity of the recent election.
The elders described the May 25, 2024 election as controversial, labeling it “inappropriate, undemocratic, and a major misstep” due to the Election Commissioner’s last-minute decision to change the venue without prior notice.
In a statement issued last week, the elders explained that their call for reelection stemmed from a complaint filed by a group known as “Concerned Members of SADO.”
The complaint alleged that on Election Day, the venue was unexpectedly moved from the J.W. Payne Elementary School on Benson Street, a traditional election site, to the University of Liberia’s main campus.
This abrupt change reportedly caught many potential voters and the general public off guard, leading to widespread confusion and disenfranchisement.
The elders further stated that upon receiving the complaint, they attempted to engage the accused officials, including SADO Election Chairperson Helena Pyne and SADO Chairperson George Garteh, to hear their side of the story.
However, their efforts to reach these officials were unsuccessful, as the accused failed to respond despite being given a grace period.
The elders emphasized that the sudden change of venue led to significant voter disenfranchisement, raising doubts about the fairness and transparency of the election.
They are now demanding a new election to restore confidence in the process and ensure the legitimacy of SADO’s leadership.
The statement also highlighted that six sectional chairpersons and representatives were formally invited to participate in a conflict resolution process.
Despite the elders’ best efforts, all attempts at mediation were met with resistance and the elders concluded that the change of venue on the day of the election appeared to be a deliberate action, further justifying their call for a reelection.
However, despite the elders’ calls for a re-election, Juarzon Sectional Head, Tubman Tigbarsay Saywon speaking to our reporter maintained that the election was legitimate and that Garteh’s re-election should stand.
He dismissed the elders’ concerns, labeling the complaints as baseless.
Defending the election results, Saywon noted that the “Concerned Members of SADO” did not field any candidate in the race, with incumbent Chairman George Garteh running unopposed.
The Juarzon head said the complaints were driven by individuals who are unhappy with Mr. Garteh’s continued leadership on allegations of corruption with no evidence to disqualified him and added that those dissatisfied should have requested an audit or nominate a candidate to challenge Garteh rather than claiming that the election was inappropriate and undemocratic.
He accused the complainants of supporting a faction within the Sarpo community in the United States, which he said, is attempting to take control of the Sarpo leadership in Liberia even after a resolution was reached disqualifying members of any split groups from holding leadership positions within SADO.
Regarding the last-minute venue change, Saywon explained that it was necessitated by security concerns after the group’s supporters reportedly attempted to disrupt the process by throwing stones.
