Monrovia – Dr. Nevers Mumba, the head of the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa International Election Observation Mission (EISA-IEOM), has cautioned supporters of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and the opposition Unity Party to refrain from early celebration, emphasizing that the National Election Commission (NEC) is still in the process of announcing provisional results.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972), [email protected]
A few hours after the polls closed on November 14, 2023, in the run-off Presidential Election, partisans of CDC, led by its Secretary-General Jefferson Koijee, took to the streets to celebrate their self-proclaimed victory.
Similarly, the next morning, on November 15, 2023, supporters of the UP, led by Yekeh Kolubah, paraded the streets and proclaimed that, according to their tally sheets, their Standard-bearer Joseph Boakai had won the election.
Speaking to journalists in Monrovia, the head of the EISA mission, Dr. Mumba, praised Liberians for the peaceful conduct of the election but simultaneously warned against premature celebrations.
“EISA congratulates Liberians for the peaceful conduct of the election and their calmness as they wait for the results from the NEC. Early celebratory activities must be stopped,” Dr. Mumba declared.
He added, “Liberians should wait for the official announcement from NEC.”
According to Dr. Mumba, EISA will issue a final comprehensive report following the announcement of results and post-election day complaints and appeals.
“The final report will form the basis of the EISA IEOM’s contribution towards the consolidation of democracy in Liberia. Through its core team, the Mission will maintain its presence in Liberia until May 2024,” he asserted.
Additionally, EISA has recommended that the NEC should consider appropriate electoral reforms to strengthen the existing legal framework.
According to the group, NEC needs to clarify and strengthen legal requirements and establish measures to identify and deter incidents of voter trucking.
“EISA suggests considering the establishment of an intermediary court/electoral tribunal to hear and dispose of elections-related matters,” Dr. Mumba said.
He added, “Improve the media regulatory framework to reduce the leeway for journalists and media houses to report and publish unverified news.”
He stressed that traditional leaders should abstain from partisan politics in violation of the Constitution and execute mandates in a nonpartisan manner.
“To the National Elections Commission, improve the contracting and vetting of temporary staff in future elections. Review Civil Voter Education strategies to reduce the number of invalid ballots,” he said.
EISA’s head added, “Facilitate the movement and inclusion of PWDs by ensuring the NEC budget reflects the need for additional specialized support. Publicly address and act on reports of voter trucking, treating it as a pressing matter for post-election discussions.”