MONROVIA – The Plan International for Democracy and Peace in Africa’s (PIDPA) international electoral mission has praised the people of Liberia for their peaceful and successful participation in the 2023 legislative and presidential elections.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh – [email protected]
Invited and accredited by Liberia’s National Elections Commission to observe both rounds of the presidential election, the PIDPA mission comprised 33 African electoral experts from Cameroon, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria. Ambassador Jean Marie NGONDJIBANGANGTE, an international electoral expert from Cameroon, led the mission.
Liberia’s October 10 general elections, extended to November 14 due to the requirement for a candidate to secure at least 50 percent plus one vote, marked the fourth consecutive polls since the end of the civil wars. The international community closely monitored the process with thousands of observers, both local and international, overseeing the proceedings.
In its report on the second round held on November 14, PIDPA acknowledged minor irregularities but affirmed that these did not significantly impact the election’s integrity. The mission concluded that the second round met international standards for election organization.
“Liberia and its people have just demonstrated to the whole world that they have reached maturity in terms of democracy,” PIDPA electoral observation mission said in the statement.
Recognizing the inclusive nature and significance of this election for Liberians—highlighting their commitment to freedom, peace, and democracy—PIDPA urged all parties to exercise restraint. They emphasized seeking redress through established procedures and avoiding violence, underscoring the importance of upholding democratic governance and preserving peace for sustainable development and the well-being of the population.
The mission said: “The international electoral mission of the PIDPA launches a solemn appeal to both candidates, to the entire political class, to civil society associations and to the entire population to remain calm and await the proclamation of the results by the National Electoral Commission which is the body responsible for organizing and proclaiming the results and not giving in to violence in order to preserve the achievements of good democratic governance and especially peace which is the guarantee of sustainable development and the well-being of the populations.”
“In the event of a dispute, resort to the institution responsible for resolving electoral disputes,” it urged.
Acknowledging the successful organization of the election, PIDPA extended congratulations to all involved parties, particularly the National Elections Commission and the Liberian government for their timely support.
The international mission expressed hope for the acceptance of election results by both candidates, the Liberian people, and the international community.
Campaigns Without Violence
PIDPA observed a campaign largely devoid of serious clashes or violence, noting a few isolated instances of inappropriate statements by supporters of both candidates. Polling centers opened on time according to electoral laws, albeit with minor delays in a few locations ranging from 10 to 30 minutes.
The presence of candidate representatives and polling station members was consistent, with the majority performing their duties professionally. Election materials were deployed nationwide in a timely manner, meeting quality and quantity standards at all observed stations.
The mission commended the professionalism of defense and security forces, national and international media, as well as the disciplined and calm turnout of voters, who lined up early to fulfill their civic duty.
“All polling stations closed at 6:00 p.m. Followed by counting of the ballots and counting of the votes of the two candidates in the presence of national and international observers. It took place in very good conditions,” it said.