Liberia: Major Contenders Stay Away from USAID-Sponsored Presidential Debate
However, while some presidential candidates not originally scheduled to participate in Tuesday’s debate did join, most of the expected contenders did not. Organizers of the debate did not officially disclose whether these candidates provided valid reasons for their absence. Here is an excerpt:“Vice President of Liberia and Standard Bearer of the Unity Party. God bless y’all.”Highlight of the DebateDespite the absence of the leading candidates, the debate was not without its share of drama. Bendu Kroma, one of the two female presidential candidates, called for the election of another female leader, emphasizing Liberia’s history of electing only one female president, who performed exceptionally.
Source:Front Page Africa
October 04, 2023 11:45 UTC
Liberia: NEC Deploys Ballot Papers and Electoral Materials to 11 Counties
MONROVIA – The National Elections Commission (NEC) has reported that it is making progress in the deployment of electoral materials in preparation for the October 10th polls, covering 11 out of the 15 counties, while the remaining four are currently being packaged. Materials for the remaining four counties, namely Montserrado, Bomi, Grand Bassa, and Margibi, are in the process of being packaged and will be deployed this week. It should be noted that while the Commission will grant him an audience, he cannot qualify as a candidate after the nomination process has ended. Regarding the attempted hacking during the Lofa Senatorial By-election, the Chairperson stated that the Justice Ministry and NEC had discussed increasing the security of the NEC website, which the NEC has complied with. She expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Justice and the security apparatus for providing security to the Commission since the beginning of the electoral process.
Source:Front Page Africa
October 04, 2023 11:23 UTC
Former Russian state TV journalist jailed in absentia for Ukraine war criticism
A court in Moscow has handed a former state TV journalist an eight-and-half-year prison term in absentia for protesting Russia’s war in Ukraine, the latest in a months-long crackdown against dissent that has intensified since Moscow’s invasion 20 months ago. Marina Ovsyannikova was charged with spreading false information about the Russian army, a criminal offence under a law adopted shortly after the Kremlin sent troops to Ukraine. She held a picket in the Russian capital in July 2022, and held a poster that said “(Russian President Vladimir) Putin is a killer. Russian authorities put her on a wanted list and prosecuted and tried her in absentia. Thousands of Russians have been fined and hundreds have faced criminal charges over publicly speaking out or protesting against the war in the last 20 months.
Source:GNN Liberia
October 04, 2023 11:19 UTC
Liberia: Justice Minister Assures Peaceful Elections; Warns Disruptors of the Peace
We caution members of the public not to test the resolve of the Joint Security. Any attempt by anyone to disrupt the peace will be met with the full force of the law,” Justice Minister Cllr. He added, “The Joint Security shall be robust and prepared to do anything and everything legally permissible to protect the peace. The Justice Minister says the Joint Security’s Special Investigation Team on Election Violence will leave no stone unturned. People must be made to understand that when they break the law, they will be held accountable,” Minister Dean said.
Source:Front Page Africa
October 03, 2023 16:43 UTC
Niger declares mourning after dozens of soldiers killed in attack near Mali
The government declares three days of national mourning following the attack by suspected armed groups. At least 29 soldiers have been killed in an attack in western Niger, according to the country’s defence ministry. It added that two soldiers were seriously wounded and “several dozen terrorists” were also killed. The attack took place near the country’s border with Mali during military operations aimed at “neutralising the threat posed” by the ISIL (ISIS) armed group in the area, according to the ministry. The “three borders” area between Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso is regularly the scene of attacks by fighters affiliated with ISIL and al-Qaeda.
Source:GNN Liberia
October 03, 2023 16:17 UTC
Liberia 2023 Elections: Caught Between the New Rogues and the Old Rogues
After the election, Mr. Boakai willingly conceded his defeat to Mr. Weah, becoming the first sitting vice president in Liberia to do so. How Weah disappointed LiberiansGeorge Weah’s election five years ago as Liberian president was greeted with great enthusiasm and expectation. Since Mr. Weah came to power, Liberia’s unemployment rate has increased from 3% in 2017 to 4.1%. Mr. Boakai headed the senate and presided over its functions which made him the second most influential person in Liberia. Truth be told, Mr. Boakai has failed woefully and today turns around to declare his so-called rescue mission.
Source:Daily Observer
October 03, 2023 12:28 UTC
Liberia: Pres. Weah’s Media Confidante Warns of Chaos
Philipbert Browne, a newspaper publisher and a confidante of President George Weah, has warned of a chaotic outcome of the October 10 polls. “If NEC [the electoral body] rules in CDC’s favor, do you think the Unity Party will accept the result? As simple as that,” Browne told the Daily Observer in a phone interview. The Daily Observer had called Browne to get clarity on his social media ‘warnings,’ which had received widespread condemnation. As simple as that,” Browne told the Daily Observer.
Source:Daily Observer
October 03, 2023 05:37 UTC
Liberia: National Elections Commission Rejects Election Rigging Claims
MONROVIA – The National Elections Commission (NEC) has said its attention has been drawn to an article in the Liberian Observer Newspaper and circulated on social media, attributed to former Liberia Information Minister Lamini Waritay, under the caption “Only NEC Can Rig Election”. Henry Karmo [email protected]In the article, Mr. Waritay is reported as saying that the National Elections Commission (NEC) is the “only body” that has the power to “categorically rig” the October 10 polls. The NEC assures the Liberian people and the public that the Commission does not “rig elections” as there is no record to prove such a dangerous and baseless claim. “The NEC calls on all Liberians registered to go to the polls on October 10 to vote, and assures that their votes will count. Additionally, the announcement of winners begins at the polling place when the record of the count is posted on the wall in the polling place in full view of candidates and party agents and local, regional, and international observers.
Source:Front Page Africa
October 03, 2023 04:43 UTC
Global Leaders Showed Their Pledge to Work for Global Peace
18 peace monuments and 32 peace libraries have been established nationwide, and peace education across the country has been introduced to develop peace as a culture through the partnership with educational institutions including the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). These include religious leaders’ comparative study of scriptures, religious peace camps that promote respect and understanding among younger generations from religious backgrounds, and the HWPL Solidarity of Religions’ Peace Committee, which delivers messages of unity about peace to the world as world religious leaders. The HWPL Religious Peace Academy (RPA) was introduced to deepen religious knowledge exchange and understanding beyond a basic level of comprehension of different religious scriptures. Peace Education “Beyond School”HWPL’s Peace Education is also actively in operation so that future generations can become citizens of peace who cultivate the spirit of peace and maintain a world of peace. Peace education will prepare our children to solve global issues peacefully and grow into future citizens of peace and leaders of peace, who can turn the world into a world of peace,” said H.E.
Source:GNN Liberia
October 03, 2023 02:20 UTC
Liberia: NEC Holds Dialogue On Election Results Management With Stakeholders
MONROVIA – The National Elections Commission (NEC) held a daylong Elections Results Management System dialogue on Friday, September 29, 2023, with political parties, civil society organizations, and candidates participating in the October 10, 2023 Presidential and General Elections. By Henry Karmo, [email protected]During this extensive dialogue, discussions covered various aspects of the results management process and election day operations. Madam Browne-Lansanah stated, “This has been a recurring practice by political parties to stay away from these meetings. Mr. Ansu Dorley of ALCORP, speaking on behalf of political parties, cautioned the NEC to spare no effort in ensuring a free, fair, and transparent election. He stressed that Liberians expect nothing less and expressed concern about political parties declining invitations to NEC meetings.
Source:Front Page Africa
October 02, 2023 14:12 UTC
Liberia: APM Terminals Presents US$15M Mobile Harbor Cranes to Port Stakeholders
This historic project has been driven by the notable partnership between APM Terminals Liberia, the National Port Authority (NPA), Liberian Maritime Authority (LiMA) and the Government of Liberia (GOL). Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Samuel D. Tweah Jr., the keynote speaker, commended APM Terminals Liberia for the historic and transformative purchase. “Today is a very significant day in the history of the FreePort of Monrovia, and for APM Terminals Liberia. Diana Nebo, Managing Director, National Port Authority (NPA), highlighted the importance of the new equipment and how, in due course, it would enhance the mandate and goals of the Port Authority. “As the regulatory authority of ports in Liberia, we are invested in deepening our long-term and collaborative partnership with APM Terminals Liberia.
Source:Daily Observer
October 02, 2023 13:00 UTC
Liberia: Swedish Envoy Urges Young Voters to Be Ambassadors for Democracy
He conveyed the message that no one can deprive them of their right to participate in shaping the future of Liberia through the democratic process. He stressed that the democratic process in Liberia holds immense importance on a regional and global scale, citing Sweden's commitment to supporting the country's democratic journey. The panelists shared personal voting experiences and provided valuable insights on dos and don'ts for Election Day, sparking thoughtful questions from the eager audience of first-time voters. These events laid the foundation for the September 29th climaxing event, which saw the participation of at least 100 eager young voters. SIANL firmly believes that focusing on young individuals, especially school-going first-time voters, is crucial for fostering inclusiveness in Liberia's democratic process.
Source:Daily Observer
October 02, 2023 11:45 UTC
Liberia: No Life Is Worth Losing Over Elections
The Foya violence, no matter who provoked it, is a reprehensible act and undermines the values of human dignity and respect for life. Therefore, we call on the Liberia National Police to rise to the occasion, acting with urgency, diligence and impartiality, to investigate the Foya electoral violence. Electoral violence, we note, if not reined in by the Police, will undermine the progress made towards national reconciliation. The world is watching and the people of Liberia deserve an electoral process free from violence, intimidation, and fear. We, therefore, call upon Weah and Boakai to play a proactive role, respectively, to ensure the prevention of further electoral violence.
Source:Daily Observer
October 02, 2023 11:45 UTC
Liberia, Alexander Cummings, George Weah and Joseph Boakai
Promising a different way of doing things, Alexander Cummings faces an uphill task of defeating President George Weah and former Vice President Joseph Boakai but he remains hopeful he can. He seeks to reinvigorate the country with a technocratic style of governance and bring an end to the dominant control of the opposition Unity Unity and ruling Coalition for Democratic Change for the last 20 years. In the mind of Cummings, Liberia’s numerous problems boil down to the way the economy is structured and the limited impact on the people. In 2017, Cummings performed poorly in the county despite having Jeremiah Sulunteh, a son of Bong as his running mate. Brumskine denounced the 12-year rule of the Unity Party for rampant corruption and the six-year inept leadership of President Weah for massive fraud and poor governance.
Source:Daily Observer
October 02, 2023 06:07 UTC
Rep. Korgar “Narrowly Escapes” Death In Nimba’s Bwehlay Town after Being Denied Access to Town for “Failing to Deliver on Campaign Promises
Buutuo, Nimba — Violence erupted Friday in Bwehlay Town, Nimba County after angry residents took up single barrel guns to prevent incumbent lawmaker Rep. Samuel Korgar access to the town. BY Franklin Doloquee, Contributing WriterThe residents accused the People’s Unification Party lawmaker of failing to deliver on his promises since they elected him as representative, citing his inability to commission a single project in the town. But Korgar, who is seeking a third term, denied the allegation, and said he has constructed a town hall in the area. Several residents were wounded in the process after the district’s lawmaker defied the crowd make his way in the town. The Joint Security assigned in the county moved in quickly to calm the situation and arrested two suspects.
Source:Front Page Africa
October 01, 2023 13:25 UTC