MONROVIA – The West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Mission to Liberia has called for caution and restraint as Liberians eagerly await the final results of the November 14 presidential run-off elections, currently being collated by the country’s National Electoral Commission (NEC).
By Henry Karmo, [email protected]
The Head of WAEF Mission, former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, issued a statement in Monrovia on Wednesday, urging leaders of the two political parties to refrain from prematurely declaring results and celebrating before the official announcement by NEC. In addition, the former President called for calm, directing political leaders to advise their followers to avoid celebrating in the streets to prevent potential violent clashes.
The statement, also signed by Kadre Desire Ouedrago, former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso and WAEF deputy head of mission, expressed deep concern about recent reports of premature result declarations and celebrations by supporters of both political parties. The WAEF emphasized that such actions could distract from the violence-free election intended by the Farmington River Declaration. The political leaders were urged to guide their supporters away from the streets to prevent violent clashes among youths.
“We urge political parties to caution their supporters to refrain from all acts that could incite violence and division among the people, especially now that the country is already at a critical stage in the electoral process,” the statement read.
WAEF, however, commended Liberians for their commitment to ensuring the success of the electoral process, aligning with the wishes and aspirations of the Liberian people. The Forum also praised Liberian youths for their active participation, reminding them that they are the main beneficiaries of a peaceful and prosperous Liberia. The Forum called on the youths to continue showing restraint and avoid acts of provocation that could incite electoral violence.
The statement concluded by commending NEC and the security agencies for their unwavering commitment and professionalism in executing their mandate. The Forum emphasized the crucial need for such commitment and professionalism to build trust, guarantee the integrity of the elections, and consolidate democracy in Liberia.
The run-off poll, a result of the October 12 election, was held between incumbent President George Weah and the main opposition leader Joseph Boakai, as the earlier election failed to produce an outright winner.