DAVID S. MENJOR
Africa-Press – Liberia. The National Election Commission (NEC) has issued a stern warning to all political candidates participating in the October 10 elections to adhere to the campaign guidelines and submit their campaign plans.
The announcement from the electoral body comes on the heels of the violent clash between supporters of President George Weah and his rival, Joseph Boakai, following separate rallies organized in Montserrado County District 9 on August 10.
The Commission’s directive, which was issued the day after the incident, aims to promote a level playing field for all candidates, as the country prepares for a crucial election that will shape its political landscape for years to come.
“The 2023 Campaign Guidelines (Submission of Campaign Schedule) require a party/candidate to notify the commission, in writing no later than 7 days before the commencement of campaign activities, of its schedule of campaign stating the date, time, and venue,” Ignatius Wisseh, the Commission
Director of Political Affairs said in a release on August 11.
“Some parties/candidates have not submitted their schedules,” he added. “In view of the above, all parties/candidates who have not submitted their schedules, are requested to do so on or before August 17.
Wesseh did not name the parties and candidates who are yet to submit the campaign schedule as he also failed to state the penalties for breach of the deadline.
However, the NEC believes that adherence to campaign guidelines is not only a legal obligation but a moral responsibility that every candidate must uphold to maintain the integrity of the election process.
The recent outbreak of violence between supporters of Weah and of Boakai has raised concerns about the potential for further unrest as the election season gains momentum.
The clash, which occurred after both candidates planned rallies in the same district on the same day, according to analysts, serves as a stark reminder of the need for all stakeholders to prioritize peaceful engagement and respectful discourse.
Both Weah’s and Boakai’s campaign spokespersons blamed supporters of each other’s candidates for the violence without calling for restraint among their supporters.
The electoral body is however urging “all candidates within these elections to ensure” full compliance with the Farmington River Declaration signed to promote peaceful and violence-free elections.
Wisseh’s release did not however state whether the August 10 violence constitutes a breach of the Farmington Declaration or comment on the incident.
“For the love of our country, we urge all candidates to ensure that Liberia is free from all forms of election violence during this campaign period,” Wisseh added.
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