Monrovia – The National Elections Commissions has announced a re-run of the Montserrado County’s District #15 by-election in areas affected by some polling irregularities “within 10 days.”
Following the casting of ballots on Monday, July 29 in the Montserrado County by-election, including District #15, Ms. Telia Urey, the candidate on the ticket of the four opposition collaborating parties— All Liberian Party, Alternative National Congress, Liberty Party and Unity Party— filed an official complaint with NEC.
Ms. Urey, who at the moment narrowly leads the official results from the Elections Commission, 5,573 votes, 42.68 percent to Kamara’s 5,417 votes, 41.48 percent, had complaints about some irregularities on the part of some of NEC officials assigned at 94 polling centers in Montserrado District #15 to conduct the election. However, 20 of the polling places had been quarantined by the Commission and a re-run has been announced in those affected places.
Minutes following the announcement by NEC’s Chief Hearing Officer, Mr. Mouna Ville, the chairman of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Mr. Mulbah Morlu stated, “It is clear that CDC won District 15 in a resounding way. The margin between the one closer to Mr. Abu Kamara establishes a convincing victory of 2000 votes. Even though this information I received hasn’t been confirmed but I am told the Elections Commission will announce a re-run of election in 20 polling places which CDC won.
“This is unacceptable; this is provocation and the CDC will not take this lying down. The fact that we are a democratic institution and respect the rule of law, doesn’t mean that we are stupid. We have the facts and the statistics. It is not possible to reverse facts. I have the facts to support this argument that there are elements working within the Elections Commission that are compromised.”
Meanwhile, CDC lead lawyer has announced an appeal with the NEC Board of Commissioners and they have two days to effect this appeal.
More details to follow…