MONROVIA – The Election Coordinating Committee (ECC) in collaboration with NAYMOTE and the Institute for Research and Democratic Development (IREDD) have called on the Government of Liberia to make available the remaining US$1 million needed to conduct the Montserrado County by-elections on July 29, 2019.
The group have also expressed concerns over the continuous postponements of the pending by-elections.
The civil society groups in a joint statement issued on Tuesday, July 23, 2019, the constant postponement of the pending by-elections sets a dangerous precedent for the country’s emerging and fragile democracy.
“The non-compliance to the rule of law undermines the consolidation of peace and the fundamental principles of good governance and democracy.”
The ECC has also asked the Legislature to strengthen its oversight over the National Elections Commission. The ECC believes that the NEC should not be setting election date unless under extreme national emergencies sanctioned by the national Legislature.
The group is calling on all political actors to refrain from the use of social media and inflammatory statements which has the propensity to incite violence. “The ECC wishes to remind all Liberians that the consolidation of peace and security is dependent upon adherence to the rule of law. We encourage all registered voters in Montserrado County out to vote in a peaceful manner.
The ECC promised to observe the by-elections and will deploy 425 observers on election day.