Although the NEC is still in compliance with legal deadlines for its finalization, presidential candidates and political party officials have expressed concerns to The Carter Center about its status. Overall, political parties expressed measured confidence in the impartiality of the NEC. Presidential candidates and political party officials have also raised concerns regarding the perception of bias in the media and the need to pay for coverage. The Carter Center notes with concern that allegations of the misuse of state resources in the campaign are widespread, and will be closely observing this throughout the process. “This election is an important stage in the consolidation of Liberia’s democracy,” said Jordan Ryan, vice president of the Carter Center’s peace programs.

Source: Front Page Africa September 13, 2017 02:37 UTC