Liberia Initiative for Empowerment (LIFE), a dedicated civil society organization committed to promoting transparency, accountable governance issues this comprehensive statement regarding the ongoing 2023 Presidential and Legislative Elections in Liberia commending the National Elections Commission and political actors for the mostly peaceful conduct of the 2023 Presidential and General Elections across Liberia.
The current electoral process holds immense significance for Liberia’s peace, democracy, and prosperity. Free, fair, and credible elections can be the foundation of a democratic society and can play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s trajectory.
It is imperative that the election is conducted transparently and efficiently to safeguard the integrity of Liberia’s democratic process.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the local and international election observers who have diligently monitored the electoral proceedings. Their efforts and commitment to ensuring a transparent and accountable electoral process are commendable.
Their presence contributes to the credibility of the election and fosters public trust in the democratic institutions of Liberia.
However, we are deeply troubled by recent media reports indicating the arrests of NEC workers for alleged vote manipulation and their subsequent forwarding to court for prosecution.
The alleged involvement of election workers in tampering with votes is an affront to democracy and poses a grave danger to the democratic process.
Such actions undermine the will of the people, erode public trust, and compromise the foundation of a democratic society.
In light of these distressing reports, we urgently call upon the NEC to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into these allegations and take appropriate actions in accordance with the law.
Safeguarding the electoral process is paramount, and any proven misconduct must be met with swift and just consequences to restore faith in the democratic system.
We also emphasize the importance of the NEC providing regular and timely updates on the electoral process, including the investigation and resolution of reported irregularities and adjudication of electoral complaints.
We encourage transparency and clear communication from the electoral commission as essential tool to maintaining public confidence and upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
We call upon all citizens, political actors, and stakeholders to remain patient and peaceful as we await the final official announcement of results. Let us demonstrate unity and uphold the principles of democracy during this critical juncture in Liberia’s history.
Liberia Initiative for Empowerment (LIFE) is a non-governmental and non for profit organization that was founded in 2014.
The organization was founded young women who saw the need for the empowerment of youth particularly girls and young women, local communities and other marginalized groups in Liberia most especially women and girls within the society.
The organization gave birth to its women-led department known as Miracle Sisters and it has been operating from 2013 up to present.
Miracle Sisters aims at empowering as many women and girls as possible, and HeforShe, which comprises of volunteer males who tend to promote gender equality, create awareness against Sexual Gender Base Violence (SGBV) as well as equipping the male counterpart with substantial information on how to treat the female population in our country.
