Liberia: Cummings Declares Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court, Others a Preconditions for Supporting Runoff Candidate
MONROVIA – Alexander Benedict Cummings, the presidential candidate of the Collaboration Political Parties (CPP), has outlined a set of conditions for the two presidential candidates heading to a runoff election, emphasizing the establishment of a war and economic crimes court as a key requirement for the CPP’s support. During the campaign, two presidential candidates, Mr. Cummings and Cllr. Gongloe and his party, the Liberian People Party (LPP), have already endorsed Boakai, and they have also made the establishment of the court a precondition for their support. Additionally, the CPP is advocating for simplifying the tax code and business establishment regulations to promote a business-friendly environment that accommodates Liberian entrepreneurship. Cummings emphasized that this investigation is crucial to uphold the integrity of the elections and protect Liberia’s cherished democracy.
Source:Front Page Africa
October 26, 2023 14:00 UTC
Liberia: Not Govt Financial Records Burnt – Finance Ministry Provides Clarity after Fire Incident on Third Floor
Monrovia – The Ministry of Finance Development and Planning (MFDP) has disclosed that all of its documents are intact after a fire gutted the Ministry’s Public Financial Management Unit Department. Webster Clayeh (0886729972), [email protected]“We also wish to inform the public that Central Government financial records were not affected by the fire outbreak,” communication from the Ministry of Finance stated. It adds: “The Liberia National Fire Service has collected relevant information and is investigating the cause of the fire. The Liberia National Fire Service, with the help of Ministry of Finance workers, successfully extinguished the fire, with no loss of lives or injuries. “The Ministry also thanks the National Fire Service and its staff for their gallantry in extinguishing this fire and saving a critical national asset,” it ended.
Source:Front Page Africa
October 26, 2023 13:54 UTC
Editorial: Voters, Not Endorsements, Create the Change that Voters Seek
It would also not be far-fetched to see many voters vote against the endorsements of their respective political leaders. First, it will be difficult for any political party to not endorse a candidate in the runoff. Essentially, it is important for all eligible voters to take these political endorsements with a grain of salt. After all, endorsements do not create the change voters seek. Only voters create the change that voters seek.
Source:Daily Observer
October 26, 2023 10:45 UTC
Liberia: Fire Guts Finance Ministry
Cause not yet known, but officials Say “Financial Records Not Affected”The cause of the fire that broke out at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning remains unknown, causing concern among the public. The fire specifically impacted the physical audit unit located in the southwest wing of the ministry, where numerous financial audit documents related to government transactions are stored. In a press release issued later, ministry officials reassured the public that the central government's financial records were not affected by the fire. "We also wish to inform the public that the Central Government-financed records were not affected by the fire outbreak. Former Finance Minister Amara Konneh took the opportunity to criticize the current CDC government of President George Weah, claiming that they have failed to adequately maintain the building.
Source:Daily Observer
October 26, 2023 10:08 UTC
Liberia: Pres. Weah, Joseph Boakai Court CPP’s Alexander Cummings’ Support for Nov. 14 Run-Off Election
The presidential race in Liberia on October 10 marked the tightest contest since the conclusion of the civil war two decades ago. Mr. Alexander Cummings of the CPP finished at 4th place securing just 1.61 percent of the total votes in the presidential elections. Mr. Cummings has, however, raised some qualms with the election result, indicating that it does not reflect the manner in which his supporters and the Liberian people at large voted. George Weah and former Vice President Joseph Boakai at my residence, at their respective request. However, there are also concerns over the strained ties between Mr. Cummings and the Unity Party regarding the alleged tampering of the CPP Framework Document that led to Mr. Boakai testifying against Mr. Cummings in court.
Source:Front Page Africa
October 25, 2023 22:22 UTC
Unity Party Writes NEC On Observations For The Conduct Of October 10 Elections
The opposition Unity Party (UP) has written the National Elections Commission (NEC), expressing several concerns on the conduct of the just ended October 10, 2023 general and presidential elections. In a 2-page communication to the NEC outlined several concerns including the huge numbers of invalid votes across the country discovered during the vote counting process, and further noted that for example in Maryland County there were record of counts from ballot boxes counted on the night of the elections among other things included in the communication to NEC. See below the communication from the Unity Party to NECVisited 84 times, 60 visit(s) today
Source:GNN Liberia
October 25, 2023 21:42 UTC
Liberia: National Elections Commission Accused of Violating Constitution with Nov. 14 Run-Off Election Date
MONROVIA – The National Elections Commission (NEC) has sparked controversy by announcing what is believed by some as an incorrect date for the 2023 Presidential Run-off Election. This decision has prompted concerns and backlash from legal experts, political figures, and the general public, who argue that it is a clear violation of the Liberian Constitution. By Lennart Dodoo, [email protected]The Chairperson of the NEC, Davidetta Browne-Lansannah unveiled November 14, 2023, as the date for the presidential run-off election. However, legal scholars and constitutional experts have argued that this date goes against Article 83(b) of the Liberian Constitution. Thus, the “expiry” referred to in Article 83(c) is not a date but an event, and that event is not based on the announcement of the results of the first round of the election but on all of the intervening factors stated in Article 83(c).
Source:Front Page Africa
October 25, 2023 19:34 UTC
Kingmakers: The Men Who Could Sway Liberia’s Runoff Election
Alexander Cummings, Edward Appleton, and Lusinee Kamara may have lost Liberia’s presidential election, but they have emerged as potential kingmakers for the runoff election, which takes place in about three weeks. This has given him sudden clout, as evidenced by the flood of calls he claims to have received this week. For Cummings, whose base appears to have been undermined by Appleton’s, the endorsement of either of the two candidates carries weight. The Muslim community has, for years, raised concerns about their limited inclusion in political party structures across the country. This positions Kamara as the voice of such a large voting block that is spread across the country.
Source:Daily Observer
October 25, 2023 15:19 UTC
U.S. Embassy Issues Statement on the Presidential Runoff Election
The United States congratulates the Liberian people for exercising their democratic right to vote, including for senators and representatives, in the October 10, 2023, national elections. The National Elections Commission (NEC) officially announced that no presidential candidate received 50% plus one of the votes, therefore, the presidential race will go to a runoff election. We call on all parties to accept the results peacefully as representing the will of the Liberian voters. The United States continues to follow the electoral process closely as the NEC prepares for a presidential runoff election. Our expectation and desire for the Liberian people is that the Presidential runoff election be free, fair, and peaceful, as Liberians choose their next president.
Source:GNN Liberia
October 25, 2023 11:38 UTC
Liberia: International Elections Observation Mission Not Happy With Slow Announcement of Elections Results
The Canadian and African Civil Society Elections Observation Mission (CACSEOM) yesterday told journalists following the National Elections Commission’s conclusion of reports from the October 10 polls that it is not happy with what it referred to as the long time or delay in the announcement of election results in Liberia. He also notes, however, that there are challenges, but with time and commitment to change, everything can become possible. Agbemelo continued that his mission is pleased that Liberians were responsible, mature, and peaceful in participating in the elections. We know today is the last day, and the first results have been given, as people look forward to the second vote. Agbemelo appealed to all political leaders to lead by good examples, especially so when it comes to ensuring that peace is sustained.
Source:Daily Observer
October 25, 2023 07:59 UTC
Liberia's Elections: Campaign Opens for Runoff
— As President Weah and Boakai Miss victory in the first roundThe National Elections Commission (NEC) has officially declared the campaign open for the runoff elections between President George Weah and his main challenger, Joseph Boakai, after they missed out on a victory in the first round. Weah, according to the National Elections Commission, topped the October 10 election results with 804,087 votes, constituting 43.83%. With neither candidate reaching the 50% threshold, a runoff election has been scheduled to take place on November 14. Boakai had run his election under the slogan “Rescue Mission”, accusing the President of taking Liberia downhill during his first term. On the other hand, Joseph Boakai, who served as Vice President during the previous administration, has framed his campaign around experience, stability, and good governance.
Source:Daily Observer
October 25, 2023 06:16 UTC
Liberia Elections - Final Results Expected Today
The National Elections Commission is expected to finally announce the results of the October 10 polls today, which have seen President George Weah neck and neck -- with runoff elections all but certain. 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. Liberia went to the polls on October 10, with registered voters of 2.4 million and with a little over 1.9 million votes tallied so far. Both frontrunners have fallen short of the pledge to win the elections in the first round, as invalid votes total 114,597, constituting 6.26%. The electoral body, as part of its announcement today of the final results, would also be announcing the runoff campaign period, which is expected to be at least two weeks.
Source:Daily Observer
October 24, 2023 22:28 UTC
Liberia’s Elections: A Promising Step Towards Peace and Prosperity
On this day, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to fostering peace, development, and human rights. Liberia's efforts in promoting democracy, peace, and development are commendable, and we encourage the nation to continue striving towards prosperity and inclusivity for all its citizens. The United Nations remains unwavering in its commitment to support Liberia on its path towards a more peaceful and prosperous future. Happy United Nations Day, Liberia. Yours sincerely,Christine N. Umutoni United Nations Resident Coordinator
Source:Daily Observer
October 24, 2023 22:15 UTC
Liberia: Historic Defeat as Majority of Lawmakers Lose Reelection Bids
As Re-election Curse ContinuesThe majority of the 65 members of the House of Representatives who were up for reelection have lost their bids, including some senior and veteran members. While the House is made up of 73 Representatives, 8 persons contested for the 15 opening Senatorial seats that were up for grabs, leaving only 65 seeking reelection. Chambers, a formidable and influential figure in Liberian politics, was defeated in his reelection bid, sending shockwaves through the political establishment. The other prominent figures who failed to secure reelection were Reps. Acarous Moses Gray, Chair of the Executive Committee; Cllr. A total number of 14 senators had sought reelection, but only four managed to return for another 9-year mandate.
Source:Daily Observer
October 24, 2023 17:37 UTC
Several people are missing after a British cargo ship reportedly sank off the German coast following a collision with another vessel
One person was rescued from the water and is receiving medical treatment, while several others are still missing, the central command added. The search operation includes rescue cruisers, police boats, a sensor aircraft and a helicopter, among other vessels. The P&O cruise ship Iona is among those that have joined the search, according to the central command, where people could receive medical from doctors on board. Rescue cruisers Hermann Marwede and Bernhard Gruben from the German Society for the Rescue of Shipwrecked People are also involved in the search. Christian Stipeldey, of the rescue society, told Germany’s Die Zeit newspaper that the dark and cold conditions made the search more difficult, and that it was unclear how many people have gone missing.
Source:GNN Liberia
October 24, 2023 10:30 UTC