The ECOWAS Commission Observation Mission to Liberia has urged stakeholders in the country’s election process, particularly political parties, candidates, their supporters, security forces and citizens, to remain calm and patient until the official declaration of results by the National Elections Commission.
It praised the sense of patriotism exhibited by polling staff, security forces and the populace, who collectively played their parts in ensuring a peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections.
The commission also highly commended the vast majority of the electorate for their patience and the sense of patriotism they exhibited.
It emphasised the need for the Legislature and other critical stakeholders to consider the review of relevant portions of the Liberian Constitution and electoral law to allow elections to be held during the dry season.
At a media briefing yesterday to provide updates on its observations of election activities in the country, the mission stated that allowing elections to be held in the dry season would enable election workers and materials to reach hard-to-reach destinations more efficiently.
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Head of the Observation Mission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, noted that there were challenges associated with infrastructure and their impact on the smooth conduct of the elections. He urged the government to implement measures to improve infrastructure conditions.
Acknowledging that the polling process generally proceeded smoothly and peacefully, long queue congestion at voting precincts and the slow pace of the process led to some voters expressing frustration.
Jega used the opportunity to recommend a reform in the election laws to reduce the number of voters per polling unit, while considering the resources needed for this reform to address congestion and long queues.
He stated: “The sense of patriotism exhibited by polling staff, security forces, and the populace, who collectively played their parts in ensuring a peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections.”
Jega also reminded candidates and political parties of the commitment made within the framework of the Revised Farmington River Declaration. This commitment involves using only legal channels and lawful means to address any disputes that may arise from the conduct of the 2023 general elections.