Monrovia – The National Elections Commission (NEC) has announced that funding in the tone of US$1.2 million is available for the conduct of the by-elections in Montserrado and Sinoe Counties.
Report by Henry Karmo, [email protected]
The Commission, through its Chairman, Cllr. Jerome George Korkoya, said the money represents the total cost for the two by-elections.
Speaking at a news conference Monday, October 1, Cllr. Korkoya also announced that procurement plans have been prepared and forwarded to the Public Procurement Concession Commission (PPCC) for review.
“The Commission will like to thank the Government of Liberia for meeting its obligation to the Commission,” Korkoya said.
In line with Section 5.2 sub-sections 2, a, b, c and d of the Election Regulation and Guidelines, campaign activities for the by-elections in both counties will start on Wednesday, October 17, and will end on Sunday, November 18.
Speaking further, the Elections Commission Chair expressed his disappointment in some individuals, who, according to him, have started pre-campaigning by putting up banners and other promotional materials. He warned that applications from of those failing to adhere to the law will not be considered.
“This is straightly against the elections law; all those involved must bring down those banners no later than Wednesday, October 3rd,” he stated.
Cllr. Korkoya announced that nomination of candidates for the by-elections commenced on Monday, September 24, and will end on Saturday, October 6.
He disclosed that seven independent aspirants have picked up nomination packages for Montserrado County District #12 while nine political parties have picked up nomination packages for both by-elections.
The two by-elections come as a result of the election of Representative Saah Joseph to the Senate. He replaced Senator George Weah in the Senate. Senator Weah was elected President of the Republic of Liberia in the 2017 Presidential runoff election.
The nomination of Sinoe County Senator Joseph Nagbe to the Supreme Court Bench as one of the Associate Justices created the other vacancy for the by-election.