MONROVIA, Liberia, December 22, 2017/ –The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), deployed in Liberia since 1 September, has been accompanying Liberia’s election process, including all stages of complaints and appeals.
On 21 December, the Supreme Court dismissed a Bill of Information seeking a further stay on the 26 December run-off date and determined that, in setting this date, the NEC acted in accordance with the Constitution. The EU EOM observes that the NEC has commenced the clean-up of the Final Registration Roll (FRR) and that other actions determined by the Supreme Court as a pre-requisite for the election is underway, including the deployment of election material, the distribution and posting of the FRR, the recruitment and training of election staff. Security arrangements are also being put into place.
EU EOM Chief Observer, Maria Arena, Member of the European Parliament stated “The Supreme Court ruling comes after a series of significant challenges to the Liberian election process. It represents an important outcome for the timely conclusion of the presidential election, benefitting the country’s key election stakeholders – the Liberian voters”. Following the re-opening of the electoral campaign, the EU EOM re-deployed 20 Long Term Observers across Liberia. An additional 38 Short Term Observers will soon join them. “The voters’ trust towards the remaining stages of the entire election process is essential. Public institutions, media and civil society organisations must provide citizens with responsible, accurate and timely information on the election”, concludes the Chief Observer. Governmental transition within constitutional timelines is a critical component of the final stages of the electoral process. In the event that political parties raise complaints after the run-off then, in accordance with the Supreme Court ruling of 7 December, such complaints should be substantiated on the basis of clear evidence. The EU EOM commends Liberians’ commitment to the rule of law and the conduct of peaceful elections.
The EU EOM’s final assessment will reflect the conduct of the remaining stages of the election process.
The mission assesses the electoral process against international obligations and commitments for democratic elections as well as the laws of Liberia. Being independent in its findings and conclusions, the Mission is committed to remain neutral and abide by the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation signed at the United Nations in October 2005.
