LIBERIA: US Gov’t WARNS UNDERMINERS OF PEACE

As the much-publicized 2023 Presidential and Legislative Elections draw closer, the Government of the United States of America (USA) wants the free and fair democratic process upheld, stressing anyone who undermines the process would face measures such as sanctions from the US Government.

In execution of Article 77(b) of the Liberian Constitution, eligible Liberian voters will go to the poll to on October 10 elect a President/Vice President, 73 Representatives and 15 Senators with the two former steering the affairs of the state for the next six years and the latter for nine years. In these elections, President Weah, Standard Bearer of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), will contest against 18 opposition candidates for the presidency.

Speaking Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at a news conference held at the US Embassy near Monrovia, Chargé d’Affaires Catherine Rodriguez said the US is prepared to assist in efforts to keep these elections free, fair, and peaceful and would equally hold accountable anyone, who engages in activities to undermine the democratic electoral process in Liberia.

“The United States is also prepared to assist in efforts to keep these elections free, fair, and peaceful by holding accountable anyone responsible for engaging in activities to undermine the democratic election process in Liberia through additional measures such as sanctions,” said the US diplomat.

The US envoy urged the Government of Liberia (GoL) to ensure that these elections are fair, free, and peaceful and to hold accountable those that would attempt to disrupt it.

She wants government invest an adequate level of money, personnel, and organizational resources to protect its citizens, candidates, polling stations, and election workers from intimidation or harm.

“The eyes of the world are focused on these elections and how they are managed. The United States, as a longstanding partner of Liberia, along with the international community, has been working closely with the NEC to make sure that all election observers have full access to polling stations during election day, as well as access to the vote tallying. The U.S. Embassy through USAID is directly supporting both international and domestic election observer missions, as well as our own mission observing the election process across the country,” she noted.

Asked as to what would be the main focus of concern of the US government in these elections, Chargé d’Affaires Rodriguez added: “We are going to look at the free and credibility of the entire electoral process, stressing that the would-be US government would be used for future deterrence.’’