IPNEWS: The Honorable House of Representatives- HOR, has cited Authorities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs- MIA and the National Elections Commission- NEC to provide clarification regarding the delay in conducting chieftaincy elections in Liberia since 1999.
The Houseโ Press Bureau says the decision was reached on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, based upon a communication from Nimba County District 3 Representative, Nehker Gaye.
Representative Gaye claimed that the prolonged delay in conducting such elections, violated article 56 B of the 1986 constitution.
According to him, the law provides that there shall be elections of Paramount, Clan and Town Chiefs by the registered voters in their respective localities, to serve for a term of six years, adding that they may be re-elected and may be removed only by the president for proved misconduct.
โThe Legislature shall enact laws to provide for their qualifications as may be required”, he alerted.
The lawmaker pointed out that the last chieftaincy elections were held in 1999, and since then, there has been a significant lapse in conducting elections for local chiefs in various clans and chiefdoms across Liberia.
โThere has been no election for local chiefs in various clans and chiefdoms within the geographical space of Liberia, in fulfillment of Article 56 B, of the constitution of Liberia, which I feel that this is a usual and deliberate act in violation of our supreme laws of the Landโ, the lawmaker claimed.
He requested that plenary launch an inquiry into the reasons behind the extended period without elections, and called for the appearance of MIA and NEC authorities to provide explanations for this situation.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Elections Commission are expected to appear before the House of Representatives next Tuesday.
Plenaryโs latest action underscores its commitment to uphold constitutional provisions and ensure that the electoral processes for local chiefs are conducted in accordance with the established legal framework.
