MONROVIA-The Better Future Foundation (BFF), has called for the urgent and timely induction of the National Elections Commission’s (NEC) declared Lofa County Senator-elect, Cllr. Joseph K. Jallah is needed to help alleviate the growing development deficit caused by the underrepresentation Lofa County’s in the Liberian Legislature.
BFF applauded all senatorial hopefuls, state-security personnel, and the peace-loving Lofa County citizens for their classic display a high level of political maturity which led to peaceful conduct of the June 28, 20,22 by-election. However BFF felt that the speedy induction as Lofa County Senator elected cannot be overemphasized.
BFF claims that the Political Impasse of the Special Senatorial Elections, held in December 2020, and the inaction of the Government of Liberia, to have effected amicable, timely jurisprudence regrettedly left the Liberian state, especially the House of Senate, and the Lofa County Legislature functionally disabled for a prolonged period of one and seven months.
Yesterday, BFF released a statement in Monrovia indicating that this unprecedented underrepresentation of Liberia’s counties in the legislative history of Liberia at the Upper House of Liberian Legislature was not just illegal, it was also against Article 37 of Liberia. It also negatively impacted Lofa’s socio-economic and politically well-being; and the constitutional function of National Legislature.
Article 37 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which states that: “In the event of a vacancy in the Legislature caused by death, resignation, and expulsion or otherwise, the presiding officer shall within 30 days notify the Elections Commission thereof.
The Elections Commission shall not later than 90 days thereafter cause a by-election to be held; provided that where such vacancy occurs within 90 days prior to the holding of general elections, the filling of the vacancy shall await the holding of such general elections.”
BFF also characterized as a “huge socio-economic and political development vacuum” and “an unfortunate situation” which will require the new Senator-elect, when inducted, to triple up his Legislative obligations including “Representation, Lawmaking and Oversight” This initiative aims to accelerate the county’s development and national agenda.
BFF reports that Liberia, as a postconflict country, has exhausted a lengthy process for constitutional law reforms. It must now do everything in its power to ratify any ambiguities regarding the application of its laws.
BFF further asserted that such move will prevent a repeat of the gross violation relating to Article 37 of the Liberian Constitution, by never again, subjecting any of the country’s political sub-divisions to what appears to be a deliberate and unprecedented underrepresentation in the Liberian Legislature.
The civil society advocacy organization therefore calls on the Government of Liberia (GOL), to compensate Lofa County for the political, socio-economic and development deficits sadly inflicted on its population during the one year and seven-month interval of the County’s underrepresentation in the National Legislature which has had negative consequences on the County’s reconstruction, political and socio-economic development.
According to BFF, although there were reports of some noticeable low turnouts of electorate in some voting centers and precincts, the electorates’ commitment to NEC’s prescribed electoral guidelines and regulations generally was not only commendable but worth emulation.
BFF also reiterated its call to the National Elections Commission, (NEC), to immediately investigate any claims of electoral irregularities arising from the polls, and take appropriate corrective actions aimed at ensuring that Lofa’s outcome meets acceptable international standards.
According to the BFF Liberia must use the necessary mechanisms in order to ensure that elections meet minimum global standards and benchmarks, including transparency and credibility. This will reduce protests by independent candidates and political parties about poll results and other irregularities.
BFF stressed that to mitigate electoral challenges, the Liberian government must have the political will to make timely and adequate budgetary allocations and provide other logistical and technical support. Without this, voters cannot make informed decisions in the present and future.
The BFF statement also observed that violence, political reprisals, fraud, acute lack of civic and voters’ education, inadequate training of poll workers, among others, over the years were the major factors for electoral disputes in Liberia.
According to the civil society advocacy group, any disputes over the outcomes of elections are not only worrisome and troubling but also leaves much to be desired in the strengthening and consolidation of Liberia’s hard-won peace and fledgling democracy.
The advocacy group cautioned, however, defeated candidates to courageously and appropriately admit defeat.
The CSO group emphasized that “the credibility and validation of elections are largely dependent on defeated candidates’ ability and sincerity to concede by calling to congratulate officially declared winners as opposed to raising face-saving and unwarranted claims and protests to cause undue tension and acrimonies which have the potential to negatively impact national peace and regional security.
BFF is a Liberian-based CSO and non-state actor who advocates for the regional integration of ECOWAS. Its mission is to promote peace, postwar reconstruction and development of Liberia.
Source: New republic liberia
