Liberia: Chief Justice Yuoh Warns Judges against Meddling with Politics

MONROVIA – Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh  has called on call on judges to stay clear of involvement in the country’s politics. She emphasized the critical need for judges to uphold responsibility, credibility, reliability, and accountability as dispensers of justice during this crucial time.

Chief Justice Yuoh made this statement while attending the opening of a three-day High-Level National Conference on Electoral Integrity held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex’s theater. The conference, organized by the Peacebuilding Office Liberia, commenced on September 26 and will conclude on September 28.

During her address, she highlighted the apolitical nature of the Supreme Court and all subordinate courts within the Judicial Branch, emphasizing that judges are strictly prohibited from engaging in political activities. She referred to Judicial Canon 37, emphasizing that judges should not become active members of political parties or engage in political activities. She also mentioned that candidates for political office should not hold positions within political parties.

Chief Justice Yuoh further pointed out that Article 77 through Article 84 of the Liberian Constitution grants the Supreme Court the power to review and make final determinations on electoral issues under a multiparty system. Therefore, it would be inappropriate for judges to be members of political parties while reviewing such cases.

She stressed the importance of judges publicly resigning their political affiliations upon appointment to maintain public trust in their impartiality. With the upcoming Legislative and Presidential Elections scheduled for October 10, Chief Justice Yuoh assured the public that the Supreme Court would maintain its neutrality and resolve election cases based on strong and convincing evidence rather than political factors.

She also discussed the concept of “Political Stronghold,” emphasizing that it lacks a factual or legal basis in judicial proceedings and that the outcome of elections should be determined by the voters’ valid votes.

Chief Justice Yuoh called on all political candidates and their supporters to resolve election disputes through legal means rather than resorting to violence or civil unrest. She assured that the Supreme Court would not be influenced or coerced in its decisions.

Additionally, she warned lawyers against using unfamiliar procedures not sanctioned by the law and promised punitive actions against those who violated judicial procedures.

Justice Minister Frank Musa Dean, who also attended the conference, spoke about Liberia’s journey from civil war to lasting peace. He emphasized the importance of demonstrating consolidated peace through peaceful, fair, democratic, and credible elections. Minister Dean highlighted that the government had funded a significant portion of the elections’ budget and emphasized the readiness of the joint security forces to ensure a peaceful electoral process. He called on all stakeholders to trust and collaborate with the joint security for the successful conduct of the polls.