MONROVIA – Liberia’s crucial October elections are fast approaching, accompanied by dynamic developments in the lead-up to the polls. One such development is the recent announcement by United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken regarding a visa restriction policy aimed at individuals involved in “undermining democracy” in Liberia, both leading up to and following the October elections.
By: Gerald C. Koinyeneh – [email protected]
In a statement released by the U.S. State Department on Wednesday, Secretary Blinken invoked section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, announcing that the United States will impose visa restrictions on those believed to be responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Liberia. This includes individuals engaged in manipulating or rigging the electoral process, using violence to obstruct freedom of association and peaceful assembly, employing measures to hinder political parties, voters, civil society, or the media from disseminating their views, or participating in any activity designed to improperly influence election outcomes.
Secretary Blinken clarified that certain family members of these individuals may also face these restrictions. Those who undermine democracy in Liberia, spanning the lead-up, during, and after Liberia’s 2023 elections, may be deemed ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy.
“The visa restriction policy announced today will apply to specific individuals and is not directed at the Liberian people or the Government of Liberia. The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support Liberians’ aspirations to have free and fair elections that demonstrate the will of the people and strengthen democracy and the rule of law,” Secretary Blinken announced.
Meanwhile, as the U.S. Secretary of State was making his announcement, Deputy Assistant Secretary for West Africa at the Bureau of Africa, Michael Heath, was landing in Liberia to hold discussions with stakeholders, including Liberian government officials, the National Election Commission (NEC), political parties, and civil society representatives.
Addressing the Liberian media after his meetings, Heath expressed his appreciation for the open and focused discussions on ensuring the upcoming elections’ success. He commended the candor displayed by government officials, civil society leaders, political parties, and the NEC, highlighting the strong bond between Liberia and the United States and the commitment to a free, fair, and peaceful election process.
Heath also applauded President Weah for pledging his government’s commitment to ensuring a “free, fair, transparent, peaceful, inclusive, and credible election” at the UN General Assembly.
He said the U.S. government fully supports this commitment and encourages Liberia to honor the 2023 Farmington River Declaration, promoting a nonviolent electoral process.
Who Are the Targets?
The U.S. visa restriction policy, as outlined by Secretary Blinken, has generated extensive public reactions. Blinken clarified that the policy focuses on specific individuals and does not target the Liberian people or the Government of Liberia.
Deputy Assistant Secretary Heath further explained during a press conference at the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, saying: “The 3C Visa Restriction Policy covers anybody who undermines the democratic process of the elections, and this can be pretty much anybody who engages in activities that could undermine that process. Some examples could be if somebody is trying to steal a ballot box or somebody who tries to access computer servers that contain data that was uploaded, if someone incites violence against journalists, or against election observers or poll workers, that will be considered undermining the electoral process.”
The visa restriction announcement comes amid escalating tension leading up to the elections, characterized by heightened concerns and vocal claims from various political figures, particularly officials and supporters of the opposition Unity Party. Notably, Senator Prince Y. Johnson, a former warlord and prominent ally of Unity Party’s candidate Joseph Boakai, made statements that sparked widespread condemnation, although he later clarified his intentions.
Amb. Boakai, former vice president and the UP-standard bearer warned it would be the end of Liberia if the ruling CDC steals the election. “…that’s why you need to protect it. If they think they’ll steal this election, you will not allow it because if they do it, that’s the end of this country,” said the 78-year-old former Vice President on his campaign trail.
They both later said their statements were not associated with violence, and affirmed their commitment to a peaceful process. However, the UP has taken the NEC to the Supreme Court over its failure to publish the final registration roll.
President Weah, reacted to allegations of potential vote-rigging in the forthcoming election during a thanksgiving service held for him upon his return from the UN General Assembly, said he is willing to step aside should he lose the election.
However, he warned that the country would not return to days where rebel checkpoints were erected, while at the same time cautioning his political counterparts to desist from threatening war.
Announcement garners reactions
The visa restriction policy, as announced by Secretary Blinken, has sparked widespread reactions in the public space.
Isaac Jackson, a supporter of the CPP and former official of the UP-led government said the visa restriction announced by US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, is in response to the threats emanating from UP Standard Bearer, Joseph Boakai and Prince Johnson.
“I was bewildered to have heard Oldman Boakai – the man who takes absolute delight in abrogating to himself the title of ambassador – issue threats recently to subvert Liberia’s democracy when he asserted that “Liberia will end if the elections were rigged against him,” Jackson said.
In response to the U.S. visa restriction policy, the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) expressed its support, urging Liberians to prioritize national interests over political affiliations. The PUL warned both the Liberian government and opposition political parties to refrain from making inflammatory statements that could jeopardize peace. It reminded journalists affiliated with politically owned media outlets that they are not exempt from the visa restriction policy, particularly those using their platforms to attack opposing candidates.
While Liberia boasts a vibrant media landscape, some media institutions and journalists have openly aligned themselves with political parties, using their platforms to advance partisan agendas.
Mr. Philipbert Brown, publisher of the Hot Pepper Newspaper, raised controversy by suggesting that foreign interventions had influenced past presidential elections in favor of the Unity Party, sparking discussions on the role of foreign actors in Liberian politics.
Government Welcomes Announcement
The Government of Liberia welcomed the U.S. visa restriction policy as “reinforcement of President George M. Weah’s commitment to building a democratic society grounded in respect for the rule of law, free expression, and fair elections.” The government said it believes the U.S. statement will help ease public anxiety surrounding the upcoming democratic exercise, particularly in light of recent incendiary political rhetoric.
With less than two weeks until Liberia’s elections, experts anticipate that the U.S. visa restriction announcement may contribute to reducing heightened tensions and inflammatory rhetoric that have characterized the lead-up to the polls.