IPNEWS – As Liberians head to the Presidential Runoff on November 14, 2023, the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa – International Election Observation Mission (EISA-IEOM) urges citizens from all political backgrounds and affiliations to uphold the exemplary conduct demonstrated during the first-round election on October 10.
The Presidential and Legislative Elections on October 10 received commendation from both international and domestic observer groups for being peaceful, well-administered, credible, and transparent. Managed largely by the National Elections Commission and the Joint Security Taskforce Committee, with limited support from the government and international partners, the October 10 elections fostered a peaceful post-election environment.
The Mission’s call comes amidst accusations of irregularities from the two contesting parties, Unity Party (UP) and Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC). The EISA-IEOM has noted unverified claims by both parties aimed at discrediting the work of democracy-supporting institutions, such as independent international and domestic observer groups. The Mission emphasizes that fake and unverified rumors about election rigging, without substantiating evidence, can undermine confidence in the electoral process, contribute to heightened political tensions and unrest, and harm the reputation of democratic institutions responsible for overseeing elections.
The Mission strongly condemns the acts of violence that emerged in District 3 in Nimba County on November 10, 2023, resulting in injuries to more than five people due to the shooting, and another incident in Grand Gedeh involving supporters of the UP and CDC on the same day.
The Mission is also concerned about the minimal post-election peace messaging observable since the announcement of the results and wishes to call on Liberians to continue to show the restraint and calm demonstrated on October 10.
Community-level mechanisms to encourage acceptance of results, community dispute resolution, and physical safety are crucial as the country holds the run-off election.
“The EISA-IEOM reminds Liberians that the gains made so far in consolidating peace and strengthening democracy have come at a significant cost, and any post-election violence would be a major setback for the prosperity and democracy of Liberians. The Mission reiterates the recommendations made in all its public reports and analyses, encouraging Liberian stakeholders to uphold peace and tolerance. We call on political parties to lead by example and also educate their party supporters on the importance of adhering to the Farmington River Declaration principles. The EISA IEOM has been in Liberia since January 2023, observing and reporting on all key electoral activities.”
