Capitol Hill, Monrovia – The newly elected Representative of Montserrado District #15, Abu Bana Kamara has vowed to work with his colleagues to ensure the best things are done at the Legislature.
Report by Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
In brief remarks after taking the oath administered by House Speaker Bhofal Chambers, Rep. Kamara thanked his constituents for his election and vowed to work with his colleagues in the interest of Liberia.
“We are happy to be here today, and that the people of District 15 has reposed the confidence in us to be a part of this body. Mr. Speaker, we hope and pray that we may work together to ensure that the Liberian people’s work be done. As we said previously we came here to work along with you to ensure that the best things be done.” he pledged.
His admittance in to the House of Representatives of the 54th Legislature of the House of Representatives followed a communication from the National Elections Commission (NEC) to the Chief Clerk of the House, Mildred Sayon informing her that Mr. Kamara was the winner of the Representative By-election of District 15.
In the communication, NEC Acting Chairman, Jonathan Weedor wrote: “Pursuant to the House of Representatives’ notification of April 29, 2019, and in keeping with Article 37 of the Constitution of Liberia, the Commission on July 29, 2019 conducted a Representative by-election in District 15, Montserrado County to fail the vacancy created by the untimely death of Representative Adolph A. Lawrence.”
“I am pleased to advise that after a successful conduct of the by-election, and subsequent rerun of 20 polling places held on August 28, 2019 due to a complaint filed and adjudicated by the Commission, Hon. Abu Bana Kamara was declared the winner and has accordingly being certificated by the commission. This shall therefore constitute a sufficient legal authority.”
Representative Kamara ran on the ticket of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC); defeating Telia Urey of the All Liberia Party (ALP). The ALP is a member of the Collaborating Political Party (CPP) that also include the Unity Party (UP) and Liberty Party (LP).
The election, held on July 29, 2019 ended in deadlock as Ms. Urey, citing fraud and irregularities called for rerun. Her request was granted by the NEC and a rerun was conducted at 20 polling places on August 28, 2019.
It was marred by a wave of violence orchestrated by supporters of each camps. During the campaign leading to the rerun, an altercation between rival supporters lead to the injuries of several people. Urey’s bullet proof vehicle was smashed.
Mr. Kamara was declared winner of the polls by NEC with 49.2 percent (8,678 votes), while Ms. Urey obtained 38.9 percent (6,868 votes).