By Grace Q. Bryant
Political parties are expected to converge in Margibi County today, Tuesday, April 4, 2023 to sign the Farmington Declaration thus committing to peaceful elections and bringing any grievances to the law.
President George Weah will grace the occasion along with the National Elections Commission, ECOWAS and the United Nations in Liberia at the Farmington Hotel beginning at 1p.m.
The United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator to Liberia, Christine N. Umutoni noted: “this is crucial in the work you do as the country prepares for elections in October.”
“Ensuring that a Farmington Declaration is a good environment for peaceful, free and fair elections, it also includes people trusting that the legal system works, and it is credible enough to support any claims that may arise,” she maintained.
Madam Umutoni said Liberia’s upcoming elections will either advance or set the country long-term democratic advancement back.
She said the October elections are defining moments and a test for Liberia’s democracy as they represent the will of the people.
“Yes, Liberia gets the electoral process right and you have no choice,” she stated.
Madam Umutoni noted that to achieve this, elections must be transparent, inclusive, and accountable, and there must exist equitable opportunities to compete.
According to the UN Resident Coordinator, political participation is a legal right. This must include the right to nominate and elect representatives, to hold public office in accordance with the principle of equal opportunities to participate in private and public meetings, and the right to form and join political parties.
The UN diplomat spoke on Friday, March 31, 2023 when she served as keynote speaker for the Annual Assembly of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) held at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Oldest Congo Town.
The theme of this year Annual Assembly is “Beyond Rhetoric and Impunity; Law, Governance, and the 2023 Elections –the Basis for Democratic Necessity in Liberia.
She believes that the theme of this year Annual Assembly is a call for an election based on the law and the tenets of governance rather than impunity and rhetoric.
Madam Umutoni said the LNBA is a major stakeholder in the electoral process and must play a crucial role in setting the agenda of political discourse and proactively pointing the way out of any challenging situation that may arise.
She, however, called on lawyers and the courts to take a lead role in ensuring that the votes of Liberians are respected, protected, and always promoted.
The UN Resident Coordinator to Liberia maintained that the LNBA as a body is expected to engage in converted non-partisan commitment to electoral integrity.
Madam Christine intimated that the LNBA has a crucial role in ensuring that electoral disputes are resolved in accordance with the rule of law and in a peaceful manner.
She recounted the significant democratic gains Liberia has made; elections plus other political processes remain pivotal to the quality of the country’s governance.
The UN Resident Coordinator to Liberia lauded the government for the proposed electoral law that allows 30% of women empowerment, noting that it is a demonstration of commitment to SDGs and to the principle of leaving no one behind (LNOB).
Meanwhile, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, Sie-A-NyeneYuoh has assured Liberians that the Supreme Court is built, fortified, and judicially poised to hear and dispose of all and any elections disputes regardless of their magnitude or underlying currents.
Liberians are expected to go the polls on October 10 this year, to elect new President and Vice President, and some members of the Legislature, according to National Election Commission (NEC) scheduled.
She maintained that it is an undeniable fact the election calendars are the most tumultuous and tedious times in the history of the Supreme Court.
Justice Yuoh said the storms of elections cases are quietly brewing at the NEC gathering strength, velocity and force preparing to dash on the shores of the Supreme Court’s docket like a monstrous wave.
She assured Liberians that the Supreme Court is resolved to dispense justice evenly without fear or favor.
The Chief Justice used the occasion to warn party-litigants, political parties, and independent candidates to safeguard themselves with the best and astute lawyers who will exert their very best during the hearing of elections disputes.
Chief Justice Yuoh warning is in consonance with the Supreme Court’s opinion which states that it incumbent upon a candidate to ensure that he/she has in placed a qualify legal team who will be in the position to represent them adequately in elections disputes.
She noted, “We are unhesitant to state that if your lawyers fail to perfect your appeal, the Supreme Court, via a motion from the opposing party, will dismiss your case; if your case is shrouded with mere allegations, speculations, and doubts, rather than evidence, the Supreme Court will reject your claim.”
Chief Justice Yuoh, among other things, said the Supreme Court Bench will only be moved by strong and convincing evidence and not political ideologies, crowds or the recently created political slang of strong holds.
Chief Justice remarked during the Liberia National Bar (LNBA) Annual Assembly held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex (EJS) in oldest Congo Town.
Chief Justice Youh said the theme for LNBA annual assembly is very relevant for in-depth and sober deliberation and asserted that in order to move beyond the act of grandstanding stage of good governance and astute statesmanship, words must be matched with substantive actions; and in the legal sphere, allegations must be supported by factual evidence.
