Monrovia – The National Elections Commission (NEC) in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through IFES and the European Union through UNDP has concluded the conduct of the third in a series of information Sessions on the Amended Elections Law of 2014.
The 3rd phase of the Information Session was held in Gbarnga, Bong County, on Thursday, June 30, 2016 and was attended by more than sixty representatives of civil society organizations, political parties, media and local elections magisterial officers from Nimba, Bong and Lofa Counties.
The information sessions are aimed at explaining to electoral stakeholders, aspects of the Elections Law of Liberia amended by the Legislature in 2014.
The amended Elections Law among other things, reduces voters registration documentation barriers, prevents voting malpractices, avoid voter’s confusion and increases the number of voters in larger precincts; Creates new requirements for political parties and independent candidates as well as addresses issues of withdrawal and death of candidates.
The amended law also creates new rules that enhance transparency and build citizen’s confidence concerning complaints, complaint determination, forms and decisions; Elections Campaign Expenses, specifically on the remittance of funds, registration fees of candidates, contributions and reporting of contributions and expenses and adds new significance to how the Commission publishes reports and ensures the enforcement of reporting of contributions and expenses.
The first phase of the Information session was held in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County where stakeholders from Maryland, Grand Kru, River Gee, Sinoe and Grand Gedeh Counties were drilled into the amendments.
The second phase of the exercise took place in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County and brought together participants from Margibi, Rivercess, Montserrado and Grand Bassa Counties.
The fourth and final phase of the session will be held in Tubmanburn, Bomi County on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 and will bring together participants from Gbapolu, Grand Cape Mount and Bomi Counties.