03 November 2017


LIBERIA MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

Supreme Court to Hear LP Case Today, Source: Daily OBSERVER

The Supreme Court will today Friday begin hearing into the complaints of irregularities filed by the opposition Liberty Party (LP) against the conduct of the October 10 elections by the National Elections Commission (NEC).

The high court’s stay order on all activities of the holding of the runoff presidential election is believed to have placed a serious temporary obstacle on preparations for next Tuesday’s runoff as the National Elections Commission (NEC) has to wait for the outcome of the hearing of the complaints, which the LP said is a “violation of the Constitution, election law, fraudulent acts and gross irregularities during the October 10 elections.”

The runoff election is scheduled between the ruling Unity Party (UP) and the main opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).

Lawyers representing the NEC and the LP were expected to appear before the high court Thursday but failed to do so without any legal reason. The matter has been rescheduled for today at 9 a.m. Read more

‘We Have Evidence’: Cllr. Brumskine Vows to Prove Election Fraud Case in High Court, Source: FrontPage Africa

The standard bearer of the opposition Liberty Party (LP), Cllr. Charles Brumskine is insisting that the first round of the presidential elections in October was marred by massive rigging.

“George Weah received 1,109 votes at a polling place that should not have had more than 500 registered voters”.

Speaking to the BBC Focus on Africa, Cllr. Brumskine said the LP has now realized that the rigging of the elections took place long before Election Day.  “Going back to the printing of ballots; we now realize that a company was awarded the contract to print ballots against the decision of the commission that is responsible for approving public contracts and the ballots that were printed by this company carried no serial number at all, negating any possibility of accountability, creating a space for massive fraud,” Brumskine said. Read more

NEC Chairman: Buried Ballot Papers Allegation Fabricated by Political Parties, Source: FrontPage Africa

FrontPage Africa reports that the Liberty Party (LP) and its cohorts are firmed that some ballot papers were buried in Grand Gedeh County and those papers form part of the basis for which they are calling for a rerun of the October 10 elections. But the National Elections Commission (NEC) upon investigation of the matter has termed the allegation as a “dangerous lie.”

NEC chairman Jerome Korkoya to reporters Wednesday: “In an attempt to discredit the Commission, these political parties are all out to just fabricate. They took the ‘know your candidates’ ballot papers we gave to everybody – political parties, civil society groups – they cut it and because it carries pictures, they put it on social media and said they found ballot papers buried in a septic tank.”

Explaining the saga, NEC executive director Lamin Lighe said the Commission requested the so-called ballots from the police authorities in Grand Gedeh to do their own investigation. According to him, during the investigation, they realized that the contentious ballot papers were disingenuously cut from the ‘Know your candidates’ posters that were disseminated among political parties and CSOs for the purpose of civic and voters education.

Mr. Lighe further explained that the ballots presented to the Grand Gedeh police as evidence were bigger than the original ballots and did not have security features like the original ballots. Read more

Africa’s Problem is Politics, Not Charity -INCHR acting chair, Source: Daily OBSERVER

The acting chair of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), Rev. Bartholomew Colley, has said the problem that Africans are faced with is more political than charity, “because the continent is fighting against the tenets of democracy.” Rev. Colley made the statement on Wednesday at a program held to honor Sonny Onyegbula.

Liberia is at a critical juncture where citizens have the opportunity to decide whether the country protects the rights of others, which would also guarantee that the pending runoff elections would not end in chaos, the INCHR boss admonished.

He said the INCHR will hold Liberian leaders accountable for the protection of the rights of others, noting that the commission will start to do constructive interactions with political parties to promote the rights of citizens during and after the elections. Read more

Ex-Nimba Superintendent Vows To Campaign For Vice President Boakai, Sources: FAAPA and LINA

The presidential bid of Vice President Joseph Boakai of the ruling Unity Party (UP) seems to be gaining momentum in Nimba County as one of the influential citizens, former superintendent Edith Gongloe Wehyee has pledged unwavering support to the UP ahead of the runoff election on 7 November. Speaking to a cross-section of Nimba citizens in the county upon her arrival from the United States recently, Madam Wehyee said she sees Vice President Boakai as the most preferred candidate based on ”the wealth of experience he brings to the job.”

She noted that the vice president is "a true patriot and one who has the charisma and leadership ability to lead Liberia” and described him as “a humble and peaceful man who has been tested over the years.” The former Nimba superintendent indicated that Boakai’s long stay in government is something that puts him ahead of his competitor, Senator George Weah of the main opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC). Read more

Civil Society Executive Wants Liberians Uphold Rule of Law, Sources: FAAPA and LINA

The National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NCSCL) has called on Liberians to enhance the growing democracy that promotes the freedom of expression and the respect for the rule of law. NCSCL chairperson, Frances Greaves observed that Liberians have grown through a period of political maturity by using the ballot as a choice for electing their leaders and not through means of violence.

Ms. Greaves noted that the NCSCL, which comprises a consortium of national thematic clusters, networks, and local organizations, collaborated with the Foundation for National Dignity (FIND) to deploy 135 election observers in five counties - Bomi, Bong, Grand Bassa, Nimba and Montserrado for the October 10 polls.

Speaking in an interview with the Liberia News Agency (LINA) in Monrovia recently, Greaves indicated that the NCSCL has observed with key attention protests raised by some political parties accusing the National Elections Commission (NEC) of irregularities and fraud, which they claimed characterized the electoral process, but however, applauded the parties for the legal approach taken so far. Read more

Snowe, Johnson Smoke Peace Pipe, Source: Daily OBSERVER

Representative Edwin Snowe and Senator Sando Johnson have settled their differences and agreed to work in the interest of Bomi County and Liberia in general. Speaking on a local radio talk show recently, Representative Snowe said he and Senator Johnson dined together after the results of the representative election were announced.

“Senator Johnson and I recently went out for dinner together, and at that sitting, we resolved our differences and agreed to put the interest of the people we represent above our personal interests,” Snowe said.

According to the outgoing Montserrado Representative and Bomi Representative-elect, politics is about logical arguments and not warfare. “We were not at war with each other and we will not go to war at any point in time. It is our ideas and opinions that differ from each other, but let no one think that we are out there to kill each other,” Snowe said. He noted that he will closely work with Johnson and all stakeholders in Bomi, particularly Senjeh District. Read more

Cabinet Approves Recommendations on Biometric ID System, Sources: FAAPA and LINA

The Cabinet has after careful review of updates on the newly-launched National Biometric Identification System (NBIS) unanimously approved appropriate recommendations on the sustainability of the System.

According to an Executive Mansion release, the Cabinet, taking due note that the future of the NBIS rests on financial support to cover the cost of administration, system equipment, and supplies, compensation for enrolment personnel, transport equipment, and fuel among others, advanced relevant recommendations for the financial viability of the Registry.

Based on consultations among key stakeholders including the Board of Registrars, the National Identification Registry (NIR) Management, through the Office of the Minister of Finance, the following fees were approved by Cabinet. Basic National ID Card will cost USD5.00; ECOWAS-STANDARD National ID Card is USD10.00, and Resident ID Card will be USD20.00. Read more

Commerce, UNDP Launch SBA BOSS Center, Source: Daily OBSERVER

A new business incubator center, Small Business Administration (SBA) Business Opportunities through Support Services (BOSS), which aims at improving livelihoods of many Liberians and increase the viability of their businesses has been launched in Monrovia.

BOSS is a UNDP supported project in partnership with the Ministries of Commerce and Industry, and Internal Affairs that was established to enhance decentralization and support of micro and small and medium enterprises policy implementation through the establishment of Business Support Service Centers at the county level that will strengthen capacities of youth, women, and agri-producing enterprises.

BOSS was dedicated by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Wednesday and will work to strengthen many beneficiary groups including small agricultural producers and support Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (MSME) development through the provision of financial and non-financial services. Read more

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA ON LIBERIA

Liberia’s apex court commended after it puts off polls, Sources: Coast Week and Xinhua

Some Kenyans on Wednesday lauded the decision by the Liberian Supreme Court to postpone a presidential runoff that was set for November 7 over fraud allegations. The top court in the west African state on Wednesday stayed the runoff between presidential candidate George Weah and Vice President Joseph Boakai until a case filed by third finisher Charles Brumskine is heard and determined.

Some of the east African nation’s citizens praised the ruling, noting that Liberia’s court was following a precedent set by the Kenyan top court on September 1. Kenya’s Supreme Court cancelled the win of President Uhuru Kenyatta in Aug. 8 polls citing illegalities and irregularities, and ordered a repeat poll in 60 days. Read more

AU Chairman Conspiracy against Weah Unearthed, Source: GNN Liberia

In the wake of a Supreme Court stay order for the conduct of the run-off election billed for November 7 in Liberia, it has emerged that the Chairman of the African Union (AU), President Alpha Condé of Guinea is poised to present a proposition for the annulment of the Liberia presidential Election. This comes in the midst of increasing allegation of electoral fraud and irregularity that threatens the stability of the country.

ECOWAS leaders Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire has reportedly been fingered as being behind the scheme to scuttle a George Weah victory as reflected in the October 10th first ballot. The game plan is twofold: on one hand to have an interim government arrangement and on the other to extend incumbent President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s mandate. These run counter to the popular decision of Liberians who are predisposed to a change that would usher in a George Weah Presidency.

Both Vice President Joseph Boakai and Senator George Weah of the Unity Party and Coalition for Democratic Change as front-runners for the concluded elections have a responsibility to reject this interim government proposition, it has been suggested.

Sources say ECOWAS leaders are working on a covert scheme to prevent a Weah Presidency because they have a financial interest in the country and are wary about a Weah government linked to former President Charles Taylor. Read more

Liberia opposition leader calls for new election commission, Sources: AFP and Daily Mail

The Liberian opposition politician who has lodged a legal complaint against the country's election commission on Thursday called for its commissioners to be replaced, citing their actions during a disputed presidential election.

Charles Brumskine came third in an October 10 presidential election and immediately alleged fraud and irregularities tainted the vote. He filed a Supreme Court legal case this week that threatens to derail a November 7 runoff vote between former international footballer George Weah and incumbent Vice-President Joseph Boakai, called after neither man gained more than 50 percent of votes.

In an interview with AFP, Brumskine said the current commissioners serving the National Elections Commission (NEC) should be fired and replaced in the event the Supreme Court decides in his Liberty Party's favor and calls for a full re-run of the October 10 vote. "There is no way NEC can conduct a free and fair election," he told AFP at his mansion in Paynesville, a suburb of the capital. Read more

Liberians so love the murderous Charles Taylor they want his ex-wife to rule, Source: The Spectator

Could the former Mrs. Taylor be the country’s Lady Macbeth – and will she bring back the bad old days?

James Sackie would make a good front man for a campaign to help ex-child soldiers. At the age of 17, he was press-ganged into one of Charles Taylor’s juvenile militias. Twenty years on, he talks movingly, in his matter-of-fact Pidgin English, about the dreadful things he saw, including the day he had to stop his own baby son, JR, being whisked away as lunch for a general called Eat Human Being.

But ask Sackie about Taylor himself and he changes. Taylor is a war hero, not a war criminal, James insists. And if he were freed from his jail cell in Britain, where he’s currently serving 50 years for war crimes, James would welcome him back as leader of Liberia. Not the kind of talk that gets donors reaching for their chequebooks.

‘Pa Taylor’ remains a big talking point ahead of next week’s Liberian elections, where voters will choose a successor to donor darling Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who has been president since 2006. By most measures, the election should be a rather cheery landmark. Ebola is no more. The Liberian capital, Monrovia, is safe for foreigners. And ‘Ma Ellen’ is doing the decent democratic thing and stepping down after two terms, as constitutionally required. The worry, though, is that just as Liberians bid farewell to one powerful, formidable woman, they will say hello to another — who just happens to be Taylor’s second wife. Read more

Despite of Lawsuit against NEC, Election Commission Declares, ‘October 10 Polls Unchangeable’, Source: GNN Liberia

As opposition Liberty Party (LP) pushes forward for a lawsuit against the National Elections Commission (NEC) at the Supreme Court of Liberia for electoral frauds and other irregularities during the just ended October 10 general and presidential elections, the Chairman of the NEC, Cllr. Jerome Korkoya says his commission admitted irregularities during the announcement of results from the first round of voting but that this did not warrant a rerun of the entire vote.

Chairman Korkoya told journalists late Wednesday that he stands by the results of the October 10 first round presidential polls and does not see any legal basis for holding a rerun, as called for by the opposition. His comments came in reaction to a writ of prohibition issued by the Supreme Court late Tuesday placing a stay order on all activities leading to the November 7 runoff election between Senator George Weah and the ruling party’s Vice President Joseph Boakai.

The Liberty Party along with two other losing collaborating parties complained to the commission of gross irregularities and demanded a rerun of the polls. Read more

Liberia’s Minister of Education Addresses UNESCO 39th General Conference, Source: GNN Liberia

Liberia’s Education Minister George Werner has addressed the 39th General Conference of UNESCO in Paris, France emphasizing that Liberia has been making frantic efforts aimed at ensuring that all Liberian children will have access to free, quality education by focusing on three crucial areas: improving the quality of teaching, ensuring effective monitoring, and exploring innovative solutions.

According to a dispatch from Paris, Mr. Werner said as efforts to improve the quality of teaching and management in Liberian schools is progressing, is essential to effectively measure the impact this is having, thus developing a framework for School Quality Assessment, which will monitor improvement in school quality from Early Childhood Education up to Senior Secondary, and enable the provision of objective feedback to school administrators and teachers.

“UNESCO’s support for the Joint Program to Accelerate Efforts to Advance the Rights of Adolescent Girls in Liberia has also made a significant impact. Madam Director-General, I was heartened to see the focus on education as a catalyst for development and gender equality at the top of your vision for UNESCO. This is an issue that is of great importance for me and that is particularly close to the heart of our current President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. I am confident that our successors will be eager to partner with UNESCO to continue this effort”, Minister Werner told the conference. Read more

All Eyes On The Republic Of Liberia, West Africa, Source: The Chicago Crusader

The flames of hatred for Senator George Weah the leading candidate from the Coalition for Democratic Change Political Party in the runoff for President of Liberia, West Africa are spreading. No matter how hard Honorable Ellen Johnson Sirleaf the first female head of Liberia that is stepping down, pleads for fairness, and transparency in these elections, those in her administration are defying her demands for decency and plan to, as Senator Weah feels, steal the election through the National Election Committee. President Sirleaf’s own officers like the Education Minister George Werner, even when censored, violates her rules that there would be no vulgarity, no abuse and no spreading of hate messages among the 2 million Liberian voters, during this election. The African world wanted President Sirleaf to succeed for the benefit of 4.6 million Liberians, during her two six-year terms as the first female head of an African country in modern times. We applauded her efforts to hold in check those opposition politicians, from the 14-year civil war (1993-2003) with the promise of fairness, enfranchisement, and development. While former President Charles Taylor, once a participant in the war, is out of the way (in prison), and another civil war participant Prince Johnson is making his presence felt through the electoral process, key figures of Sirleaf’s administration used these quiet moments as opportunities to rob the people. This is why his running mate, the candidate for Vice President Ms. Jewel Howard-Taylor is behind Senator Weah, the international soccer icon who earned his wealth honestly. Read more

UL To Move To Another Level …As Prexy Outlines Plans For Massive Improvement, Source: GNN Liberia

The President of the state-run University of Liberia (UL) has outlined plans aimed at improving activities at the University in a bid to bring the school on par with top learning institutions across Africa and the world over.

In a speech she delivered at the 2nd Annual Convention of the University of Liberia Alumni Association in the Americas (ULIBAAA) recently, Dr. Ophelia Inez Weeks said the government-owned university is in the process of establishing the Personnel Evaluation and Enhancement Program (PEEP) to help determine effectiveness and efficiency on the job.

According to her, this will help determine mechanisms that need to be put in place to increase productivity, as well as to offer opportunities for staff to attain advanced degrees and participate in job-related refresher workshops, seminars, symposia and short courses. “This will allow us to retain productive personnel, to re-tool and re-train dedicated and committed staff who need enhancement, and allow us to minimize deadwood,” said Dr. Weeks. Read more

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This media summary consists of selected local media articles for the information of UN personnel. The public distribution of this media summary is a courtesy service extended by UNMIL on the understanding that the choice of articles included is exclusive, and the contents do not represent anything other than a selection of articles likely to be of interest to a United Nations readership. The inclusion of articles in this summary does not imply endorsement by UNMIL.

 

 

 

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