Leopoldo Lopez Gil, Head of the Delegation of the European Union Parliament, currently in Liberia to observe the elections, has called on political parties and candidates to accept the results of the October 10 elections as announced by the National Elections Commission (NEC).
“In our capacity as democratically elected politicians, my colleagues and I urge all political leaders to accept the election outcome and peacefully address any disputes through the courts,” he stated during a press conference held by the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) in Monrovia on Thursday.
The EU EOM praised the Liberian government and the National Elections Commission for conducting transparent and well-handled elections. They also commended Liberians for their peaceful and vibrant democratic participation on October 10.
“Liberian voters demonstrated their commitment to the democratic process by participating in large numbers in the General Elections on Tuesday. The technical preparations and the execution of Election Day were well administered. While the campaign was mostly peaceful and lively, and the press was free to cover all aspects of the campaign, the use of government platforms and state resources gave an advantage to the incumbency,” said Chief Observer Andreas Schieder.
A total of 100 EU EOM observers reported from over 417 polling places in rural and urban areas across 14 out of the 15 counties in Liberia. Schieder noted that the results tabulation process is still ongoing, and the EU EOM will continue to observe the process, including the handling of complaints and appeals. He also stated that Liberia’s legal framework provided a reasonable basis for the conduct of democratic elections.
NEC Releases 2nd Batch of Results
Meanwhile, opposition candidate Joseph Boakai of the Unity Party continues to maintain a lead over the incumbent, George Weah, as the National Elections Commission released more results from 392 polling places on Tuesday.
The latest results, according to the NEC were collated from 392 of the 5,890 polling stations across the country, constituting approximately 6.66% of the total polling places.
As of the latest update, Ambassador Boakai remains at the forefront with 57,862 votes, representing 46.27% of the counted ballots. President Weah is in a close second with 49,510 votes, constituting 39.6% of the votes tallied thus far. Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe of the Liberian People Party (LPP) trails behind, with 4,483 votes, or 3.59% of the total.
Here’s a breakdown of the results
Partial Senatorial results
In Bomi County’s senatorial race, Independent Candidate Adama S. Dorley is leading with 3,652 votes, making up 38.76% of the total, followed by former House Speaker Alex Jenekai Tyler with 3,540 votes (37.57%) and incumbent Morris G. Saytumah with 1,174 votes (12.46%).
In Bong County, independent candidate Johnny K. Kpehe is in the lead with 7,169 votes, accounting for 48.19% of the total, while Rep. Edward W. Karfiah of the People’s Unification Party (PUP) is behind with 4,294 votes (28.87%), and former Superintendent Ranney B. Jackson is third with 866 votes (5.82%).
In the Gbarpolu County race, Paul K. Kennedy of the Liberian National Union (LINU) leads with 3,203 votes, constituting 26.07%. Behind him is former Finance Minister Amara Mohammed Konneh with 2,839 votes (23.11%), and current Gbarpolu District #1 Representative Alfred G. Koiwood of the ruling CDC with 2,129 votes (17.33%).
Grand Bassa County: Former Foreign Minister Gbehzohngar Findley leads with 3,646 votes, representing 46.78% of the counted ballots, followed by Superintendent Janjay Baikpeh of CDC with 2,561 votes (32.86%), while incumbent Senator Jonathan L Kaipay trails with 721 votes (9.25%).
Grand Kru County: Senate Protem Pore Albert Tugbe Chie is in a commanding lead with 996 votes, making up 84.19% of the counted votes, while Vincent Toe Doe of the CPP trails with 187 votes (15.81%).
Lofa County: Businessman turned politician Momo T. Cyrus, an independent candidate, is ahead with 3,512 votes, or 48.64%. Former Representative Moses Y. Kollie, CDC, followed behind with 1,627 votes (22.53%), and incumbent Senator Stephen J.H. Zargo has 658 votes, equivalent to 9.11% of the total votes.
In Montserrado County, incumbent Senator Saah Hardy Joseph of the CDC is leading with 16,472 votes (56.73%). Behind him is the UP-candidate Wilmot J.M. Paye with 7,479 votes (25.76%), and Victoria Torlo Koiquah of the CPP with 1,922 votes (6.62%).
For the vote rich Nimba County, incumbent Senator Prince Yormie Johnson of the MDR, who is seeking another 9-year term, has obtained 9,036 votes, representing 41.62%, followed by Nya D. Twayen, Jr., IND, with 7,775 votes (35.81%). In third place is Roland G. Duo of the CDC with 2,367 votes (10.9%).
Rivercess County: Bill Teah Twehway of the CDC is leading with 2,613 votes (48.2%), Gabriel B Smith of the CPP with 1,315 votes (24.26%), and incumbent Francis S. Paye NDC with 780 votes (14.39%).
Sinoe County’s Election Challenges Addressed
During her daily press briefing, the NEC Chairperson, Madam Davidetta Brown Lansannah, reported that the delayed elections in some parts of Sinoe were successfully conducted on Wednesday and were expected to conclude on Thursday, October 12.
She also shared information about the disruption of the vote counting process at a precinct comprising two polling places in electoral district 4, Beolontuo Public School with precinct code 33258. According to her, the Upper Nimba Magistrate informed the Commission that the Police were dispatched to the area, but due to the challenging terrain, they were yet to return with feedback. The Commission promised to provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.
Madam Lansanah also mentioned a fire incident at the magisterial office of Upper Bong County due to an electrical fault in the Conference Room. She assured that the fire was extinguished, and all election materials remained intact, with the tally process continuing without any further issues.
Change Election Date – ECOWAS
Meanwhile, the ECOWAS Commission Observation Mission has emphasized the need for the Legislature and other critical stakeholders in the country to consider the review of relevant portions of the Liberian Constitution and electoral law to allow elections to be held during the dry season.
During a press conference held on Thursday to provide updates on its observations of election activities in the country, the Mission stated that allowing elections to be held in the dry season would enable election workers and materials to reach hard-to-reach destinations more efficiently.
Professor Attahiru Jega, the Head of the ECOWAS Observation Mission, noted that there were challenges associated with infrastructure and their impact on the smooth conduct of the elections. He urged the government to implement measures to improve infrastructure conditions.
Source: Front Page Africa
