Boakai Seeks Opposition Support Ahead of Runoff Election
Presidential candidate Joseph N. Boakai is rallying support of opposition members in the run-off election. The Unity Party will face the ruling CDC in a runoff election to determine the president of Liberia for the next six years. Boakai told a press conference that the UP encourages the support of opposition political parties and independent candidates "to redeem the nation from a failed administration led by President Weah." The appeal came at a time that some opposition leaders including Alexander Cummings of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) earlier vowed to support any opposition party that made it to the run-off. My fellow Liberians, our country needs to be rescued and then we can embark on getting it fixed.
Source:Daily Observer
October 19, 2023 23:45 UTC
DR Congo expels peacekeepers
The Congolese government has said a regional peacekeeping mission will have to leave the country by Dec. 8 due to poor performance. Kinshasa wanted the force to militarily engage the M23, but that proved tricky given that Rwanda is an EAC member state. Fighting between the M23 and pro-government militias has intensified since the beginning of this month, rupturing a shaky ceasefire. The UN force has been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for over two decades but has lost local legitimacy as conflict has become entrenched. Read more of this reportVisited 11 times, 11 visit(s) today
Source:GNN Liberia
October 19, 2023 21:45 UTC
Russia detains journalist with dual Russian and US citizenship
Russia’s detention of US journalists has drawn criticism from press freedom groups. Russia has detained a Russian-American journalist at a government-funded US media outlet for failing to register as a “foreign agent” when she entered the country during a family emergency. Russia has tightened controls over the media following its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, designating many reporters as “foreign agents”. Press freedom groups and the US government have strongly criticised such detentions as a form of stifling dissent. CPJ called the charges against Kurmasheva “spurious” in its statement with RFE/RL.
Source:GNN Liberia
October 19, 2023 21:11 UTC
“Setting the Record Straight, Upholding Democracy Amidst Potential Unrest”
In a recent statement, I clarified my position on what appears to be a controversial post made on October 15, 2023, regarding Peace Island. I vehemently deny any intention to undermine Liberia’s democracy or jeopardize the nation’s peace. I will like to extend appreciation to the peace-loving people of Peace Island, saluting their commitment to the nation’s peace. I recognize and respect the people of Peace Island pledge to support, build and working towards a united community and prosperous future for the children. I hope this message echos the importance of peaceful and democratic transitions of power, ensuring the stability and progress of Liberia.
Source:Front Page Africa
October 19, 2023 18:13 UTC
Liberia: Senator Prince Johnson Likely to Face War Crime Court after Election
MONROVIA – Nimba County Senator Prince Johnson, now the biggest political ally of Unity Party’s Joseph, delivered the vote-rich county to the Unity Party in the October 10 election. “If we sincerely want to bring to check public officials who mismanage public funds, we need to establish a war and economic crimes court,” Sen. Dillon said. Senator Dillon’s recommendation triggered rage from Senator Johnson who staged a walkout from session, terming Senator Dillon’s suggestions as “an attack on his character.” “Every time Sen. Dillon sees me, it is when he talks about war crimes court,” Sen. Johnson said. However, in recent times, Mayor Koijee has intensified his call and specifically called for the prosecution of Sen. Johnson. The TRC recommended, amongst a host of recommendations, the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia to try those responsible for the commission of atrocities and economic crimes.
Source:Front Page Africa
October 19, 2023 16:32 UTC
Liberia's Election: Weah, Boakai Head to Runoff, with 99.9% of Votes Counted
As of Oct. 18, the former football legend turned President has accumulated a total of 803,674 votes, constituting 43.84% of the ballots counted. Hot on his heels is Boakai, a seasoned politician who closely follows with 796,313 votes, making up 43.44% of the total count. With neither candidate able to secure the necessary 50% plus one vote to claim an outright victory, the country is now headed for a runoff election. The runoff election would be more than a battle of ideas and policies. Lusinee Kamara ranked four with 35,977 votes, constituting 1.96% of the total vote, while Cummings took fifth place, with around 29,611 votes, constituting 1.62%.
Source:Daily Observer
October 19, 2023 15:00 UTC
Invalid Votes 2005-2023: NEC Did Well, But Could Have Done Better
With 98.40% of the votes counted, there were over 112,875 invalid votes. This is the highest number of invalid votes within the last 18 years, going back to the 2005 general elections. In this article, we will analyze the valid and invalid votes from 2005 to 2023. The lack of adequate voter education may have been the reason for such an extremely high number of invalid votes – 112,875. In order to reduce the number of invalid votes to 3% or below, NEC certainly needs to do a much better job in voter education.
Source:Daily Observer
October 19, 2023 12:51 UTC
Nimba County Senatorial Candidate, James Hallowanger Concede Defeat, Congratulates Senator Prince Johnson
Mr. James D Hallowanger, a Senatorial Candidate of Nimba County in the just ended general and presidential elections has conceded defeat, and as also congratulated his rival, Senator Prince Y Johnson for maintaining his position as Senator. In a press release issued and signed Mr. Hallowanger said, he will always remain engage with politics of and messages during election, like the ritualistic killings in Nimba, making sure that all tribes in the county be part of the administrative job distributions. He noted that scholarships for Nimba students, building a vocational or Junior college in Tappita and Karnplay ,and to make sure the University of Nimba remains open at all time. Meanwhile, Mr. Hallowanger, has pledged his support to the Unity Party of Ambassador Joseph N. Boikai and is calling Nimbaians to vote the Unity Party for a resounding victory during these electionsVisited 102 times, 5 visit(s) today
Source:GNN Liberia
October 18, 2023 22:27 UTC
Liberia: National Elections Commission Calls for Rerun of Presidential and Legislative Elections at Two Nimba Polling Places
MONROVIA – The National Elections (NEC) has announced a rerun of the presidential, senatorial and representative elections at the two polling places in Nimba Electoral District #4 where ballot boxes were stolen. However, on Saturday, she said votes the rerun will cover the three categories. Following this incident, two of the representative ballot boxes located in the four polling centers in Beo-Longtuo Town, with Center Code 33258, were damaged. Aggrieved citizens of the town, including supporters of the 17 representative candidates, came forward with heightened tension, demanding that the NEC rerun the election for Beo-Longtuo Town. Security forces were deployed to the town to release NEC workers and the voters who were under house arrest.
Source:Front Page Africa
October 18, 2023 20:04 UTC
Liberia: Senate Resumes 6th Session as 2024 Draft National Budget, Drug Law Top Agenda
A highly depleted Senate on Tuesday, October 17, resumed its last and final segment of the 6th Session of the 54th Legislature in the Senate Chambers, with Senate President Pro-tempore, Albert Chie outlining agenda items to be considered by his colleagues. Top on the agenda announced by Chie at the opening session in the Senate’s chambers is the discussion of the draft 2024 National Budget, which was recently sent by President George Weah to that august body. The resumption of the final Sitting of the 6th Session of the 54th Legislature follows the end of the Second Constituency break on Friday, October 13, 2023. The two notable returnees who were overwhelmingly voted by their respective counties are President Pro-tempore Chie of Grand Kru County and Nimba County Senator, Prince Y. Johnson. Meanwhile, Senate Pro-tempore Chie on Tuesday joined Liberians and members of the international Community to stress the need for transparent, free, fair and violent-free elections.
Source:Daily Observer
October 18, 2023 19:09 UTC
Invalid Votes 2005-2023: The National Election Commission (NEC) Did Well, but could have done better
With 98.40% of the votes counted, there were over 112,875 invalid votes. This is the highest number of invalid votes within the last 18 years, going back to the 2005 general elections. In this article, we will analyze the valid and invalid votes from 2005 to 2023. The lack of adequate voter education may have been the reason for such an extremely high number of invalid votes – 112,875. In order to reduce the number of invalid votes to 3% or below, NEC certainly needs to do a much better job in voter education.
Source:Front Page Africa
October 18, 2023 18:20 UTC
Who Is Edward Appleton, The Presidential Candidate Who Took Many Liberians By Surprise
Liberians are said to be pondering over this latest politician, and presidential candidate who is making serious impact after the just ended October 10, 2023 general and presidential elections following his massive pulling of votes at the amazement of Liberians. Edward W. Appleton Jr., the Standard Bearer of the Grass Roots Development Movement Party, is making headway faster than his rivals who stream their campaign events on five to ten Facebook Live platforms. Appleton Jr., didn’t have a Facebook Live account or a radio talk show during his campaign and cannot be really recognized by many Liberians. Liberians are shocked by The Ghost in the 2023 General Elections, particularly in Monrovia, the country’s capital. We think his numbers are manufactured because we never saw him on Facebook talking negatively about other candidates.”APPLETON is now third on the National Election Commission 2023 Presidential results as 72.92% of the results has been announced.
Source:GNN Liberia
October 18, 2023 15:20 UTC
Liberia: George Weah’s Politics of Silence
Morlu was appointed Chairman of the CDC in 2017, after George Weah became president of the country. When George Weah was elected president in Liberia’s third post-war elections, the event was received with mixed reactions. Some for lying about their past to immigration authorities; others for war crimes and crimes against humanity on the basis of universal jurisdiction. George Boley, head of the inaptly named warring faction Liberia Peace Council (LPC) returned to Liberia in February 2012. The AuthorAaron Weah (no relations to President George Weah) is a civil society activist and a transitional justice researcher with more than fifteen years experience.
Source:Daily Observer
October 18, 2023 07:29 UTC
Empowering Liberian Journalists: CEMESP and MFWA Host FOI Training Supported by Dutch Foreign Ministry
Supported by funding from the Dutch Foreign Ministry through the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Accra, Ghana, this initiative aims to equip Liberian journalists with the necessary skills to leverage the Freedom of Information (FOI) law effectively. As conduits of information, the media fulfils an important function in ensuring that information is widely distributed. Tuesday’s training agenda is meticulously designed to arm these journalists with indispensable tools and knowledge, enabling them to navigate the intricate landscape of the FOI law. By leveraging the FOI law, journalists are poised to play a pivotal role in holding authorities accountable and fostering greater openness in the administration of public resources at the local level. By harnessing the power of the FOI law, journalists can act as catalysts for change, fostering a society where openness and accountability prevail.
Source:GNN Liberia
October 18, 2023 04:21 UTC
Liberia: Weah, Boakai Likely to Face off in Runoff Election
By Lennart Dodoo, [email protected]On Monday, NEC released from 5,467 of 5,890 polling places across the country, constituting 92.98% of the total polling places. Weah, as of Monday, has obtained 43.65 percent of the total valid votes while Amb. The NEC announced results from all polling places in River Cess, Lofa, and Gbarpolu Counties, while the outstanding 12 counties are nearing completion. Pundits believe the remaining 7.02% of the votes cannot catapult any of the candidates to victory, thereby, necessitating the need for a runoff election. Under Article 83(a) of the Constitution, the presidential run-off elections must be held on the second Tuesday following the announcement of the results of the first round.
Source:Front Page Africa
October 17, 2023 21:24 UTC