28 November 2017


LIBERIA MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

Liberians yearn for Runoff Election, Sources: The New Dawn and The INQUIRER

It has been reported that many Liberians are yearning for the runoff presidential election. It follows after the National Elections Commission Hearing Officers dismissed the parties’ fraud and electoral irregularities complaints filed to the Supreme Court.

In an interview, most Liberians spoke to expressed optimism that the High Court would speedily rule into the matter to allow the runoff to take place.

Final Justice in Seven Days, Source: FrontPage Africa

This paper report that the opposition Liberty Party (LP) and the ruling Unity Party (UP) will now have to look up the Supreme Court of Liberia for a re-run of the 10 October elections, which they claim, were flawed by massive ‘irregularities and fraud’. Their appeal to the Supreme Court was necessitated by the upholding of the National Elections Commission (NEC) Hearing Officer’s ruling by the NEC Board of Commissioners in which he said the aggrieved parties failed to substantiate allegations of fraud during the course of the hearing. The Board of Commissioners also disagreed that the NEC was in violation of the law by ‘failing’ to publish the Final Registration Roll. 

Meanwhile, lawyers representing the two political parties took exception to the ruling and announced that they will take an appeal to the Supreme Court.  Cllr. Varney Sherman who represented the ruling Unity Party described the ruling as erroneous, but said he would prove his case at the Supreme Court. Upon filing the appeal, the Supreme Court, per the dictates of the Constitution, has a maximum of seven days to review the case and make a determination.  The Supreme Court’s ruling on the matter will determine whether or not Liberia will have a runoff election or a rerun of the 10 October elections. 

Supreme Court Hears LP, UP Appeals Friday, Source: Daily OBSERVER

This paper reports that the canceled 7 November runoff election could soon get a new date next month if the Supreme Court starts hearing Liberty Party (LP) and Unity Party’s (UP) appeals on Friday, 1 December 2017 against the National Elections Commission (NEC’s) ruling of Friday, 24 November. The NEC Board of Commissioners (BOC) last week upheld the Commission’s chief hearing officer’s ruling against the two political parties in the ongoing alleged irregularities and fraud case that the parties failed to provide sufficient evidence to warrant the cancellation of the 10 October election results.

After the NEC Board handed down its ruling on grounds that both the complainant and co-complainant did not prove the allegations of fraud and that the irregularities did not in any way amount to fraud, the two political parties vehemently took exception and appealed to the Supreme Court. The parties argued that they could not get justice from the NEC because the Commission is the accused and at the same time the investigator/judge.

The Supreme Court meanwhile has up to 8 December to complete its task of looking into the appeals and give the final ruling. The two options on the table are either that the runoff be held in case the court nullifies the two parties’ complaints or a rerun of the 10 October polls is held on the basis that the NEC was guilty of committing fraud that may warrant a rerun. Read More

Nimba County District #8 Contestants Sent Back to NEC, Source: Daily OBSERVER

Associate Justice Kabineh Ja’neh Monday declined to place a Stay Order as requested by Saye S. Mianah, the announced winner of Nimba County District #8 representative seat in the 10 October legislative election, to prevent authorities at the National Elections Commission (NEC) from conducting a recount of the votes. Ja’neh, a current Chamber Justice, also mandated Mianah to go back to the NEC and exhaust all legal remedies available to him at the electoral body, which his lawyer Cooper Kruah had failed to do.

Kruah had accused the NEC of proceeding erroneously when it set aside the result of the poll for a recount of the votes; something he argued contradicted Article 83 of the 1986 Constitution, which among other things provides: “All, except for President and Vice President, elections for public offices shall be determined by a simple majority of the valid votes cast in any elections.” Mianah was among eight other representative candidates including the incumbent lawmaker, Larry Younquoi that contested for the district’s lone seat, in which he was declared the winner by a simple majority with 6,108 votes as opposed to Younquoi who obtained 6,089, making Mianah the winner by a 19-vote margin. Read More

UN Official Wants Stringent Action to Curb Violence against Women, Source: New DEMOCRAT

The Country Representative of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) Mrs. Marie Goreth Nizigama has called on all stakeholders to take a united action in the relentless fight to end violence against women in schools, educational institutions and all places. Madam Marie Goreth delivered the keynote address at the official launch of the ’16 Days of Activism’ in Liberia held on 25 November 2017 at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion in Monrovia.

The UN Women Liberia Representative specifically highlighted the role of parents in preventing sexual and gender based violence against their children. “Parents are equally accountable when they leave their girl child vulnerable in homes, on the road to school and even having them fend on street corners for livelihood,” she pointed out. Madam Marie Goreth spoke of the importance of increased awareness on the issue of violence against women to help address the negative stereotypes and perceptions that perpetuated the abuse of the rights of women and girls. The UN Women Liberia Representative joined other speakers to call for an end to school related violence, which is the focus of this year’s ’16 Days of Activism.’

UN Women, Orange-Liberia Launch Partnership to Empower Women, Source: FrontPage Africa

UN Women and the telecommunications company Orange-Liberia have launched partnership to provide Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Mobile Banking Services to women and girls from UN Women-supported networks such as the Association of Women in Cross Border Trade, the National Rural Women Structure and the Peace Hut Women of Liberia.

Through the partnership, the women will be trained to utilize various ICT platforms to facilitate financial transactions between rural market women and their suppliers; facilitate purchase of goods and payment to vendors, as well as become Mobile Money Agents in their communities through the Village and Saving Loans Associations.

UN Women Liberia Country Representative Marie Goreth Nizigama at the launch of the partnership in Monrovia said the partnership with Orange-Liberia demonstrates UN Women’s commitment to working with the private sector in ways that promote gender equality and the economic empowerment of women and girls. Read More

China Donates Equipment to Bolster Liberia’s Peace and Security, Source: New DEMOCRAT

According to the New DEMOCRAT, China has said it will continue to support Liberia’s quest to build on its democratic process, especially by assisting the West Africa country to enhance its security during the current electoral process. Chinese Ambassador to Liberia Zhang Yue, while presenting security equipment to the Liberia National Police on Thursday of last week, said China was committed to doing more in the area of security to boost ties with the country.

Three utility vehicles, 10 police escort motorbikes, loudspeakers, and boots were among items donated to the police in a ceremony held in the country’s capital of Monrovia. Zhang hailed the local police for its good job during the recent presidential and legislative elections held in Liberia, saying China already had an agreement with the Liberian government to help build a high-standard police contingent.

CSO Wants Independent Probe into Electoral ‘Shortfalls’, Source: Daily OBSERVER

According to the Daily OBSERVER, a local youth-oriented Civil Society Organization; Better Future Foundation (BFF) has called for the creation of an Independent Board of Inquiry (IBI) to investigate allegations of gross irregularities and fraud that characterized the 10 October presidential and representative elections being hotly contested by the opposition Liberty Party (LP) and the governing Unity Party (UP). BFF president, Augustine Arkoi underscored the need for the IBI to thoroughly investigate factors that resulted to the alleged irregularities and fraud at the polls.

Mr. Arko said that such body should be established throughout the country to probe electoral complaints and put in place the necessary mechanisms to avoid repeat of such shortcomings in the future. This, he said will help exonerate authorities of the National Elections Commission (NEC) from the dilemma of being a referee (judge) and player (accused) at the same time. Arkoi spoke as a studio guest of a radio station last week in Monrovia. According to him, such a probe should be conducted to determine whether or not the alleged irregularities were committed deliberately to undermine the nation’s democratic process.

The BBF President noted that though there are statutory bodies such as the NEC Hearing office, the Board of Commissioners and the Liberian courts to handle disputes arising from the conduct of elections, but he believes that an independent body would be more proactive to have public approval to adjudicate such cases fairly without any political interference. Read More

Gender Minister Wants Liberia’s Domestic Violence Bill Signed into Law, Source: FrontPage Africa

The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Julia Duncan-Cassell has reiterated her call for the passing into Law the Domestic Violence Law that will serve as deterrent to potential perpetrators. Madam Duncan-Cassell said that the Ministry along with its partners will spotlight, inform and raise awareness around the nation about gender-based violence and how it affects not only the survivor but the educational system of Liberia and peace of vulnerable people.

This year’s 16 Days of Activism is under the National theme” Let’s Embrace our Diversities for safe Education and violent Free Society.” She said rape remains a major threat to the security of women and girls across Liberia and noted that from January to September this year, 10 women have died as the a result of direct domestic violence in Bong, Grand Bassa, Nimba and Montserrado Counties. A total of 892 cases of GBV were reported of which 506 were raped cases this year and quarterly report pointing to 97 percent of Gender Based-Violence. 

Former MRU Speaker Joins Speaker’s Race, Source: Daily OBSERVER

The outgoing Resident Representative of the Mano River Union (MRU) in Liberia, who won the Montserrado County Electoral District #1 representative seat during the 10 October 2017 polls, has joined the Speaker’s race of the 54th Legislature. Prior to winning the representative seat as an independent candidate, Ambassador Lawrence Morris served in the Mano River Union (MRU) office in Liberia for four and half years, a position he occupies until the body can vet and recruit a new resident representative.

In an interview Monday, Ambassador Morris said contesting for the Speaker position is to bring “sanity, integrity and morale” to the Legislature. He argues that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who is the Head of the Legislature and third in ascension to the presidency, should not be a person who is “haunted with bad characters.”  Morris said he was encouraged by Liberians and his fellow colleagues to become the next Speaker, because of his experience, education and impeccable character.

WAEC Head against WASSCE Cancellation, Source: Daily OBSERVER

This paper reports that the head of the Monrovia Office of the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC), Dale G. Gbotoe, has criticized school administrators who are calling for the 2018 West Africa Senior High Schools Certificate (WASSCE) exams to be postponed, arguing that most schools in the country don’t have adequately equipped science laboratories to prepare students to pass the exams.

The concerned school administrators over the last few days started to express fear that the lack science labs in many schools means that there will be a rise in the number of students who will fail the exams especially in Chemistry, Biology and Physics. But Gbotoe debunked the argument by terming it as laziness which he said does not mean well for Liberia’s education system.;

Parties Clash for Land in Margibi, Source: The New Dawn

A fist fight has left several people wounded over a disputed parcel of land in the Kpan Town community of Lower Margibi County.  Supporters of one Jenkins Marwolo and Joseph Blama Swaray who are claiming ownership of the property were involved the clash.

Parents want WASSCE aborted, Source: The New Dawn

The National Parents and Teachers Association Network of Liberian (NAPTANOL) has called on the government to abolish the 2017 West African Senior Schools Certificates Examination (WASSCE). The call came after the group asked the government not to pay the examination fees for students. NAPTANOL President, Mason Saweler told The New Dawn newspaper in an interview recently that many parents are unable to pay their children’s fees due to the current financial problem.

Government announces the re-opening of National Museum, Source: The New Dawn

The Information Ministry has announced the reopening of the National Museum on Broad Street following renovation work and re-furbishing of the museum with traditional art works and collection of historical artefacts on the founding of Liberia.  The museum is expected to be formally opened to the public on Wednesday, 29 November.

Locals crave for Hand Pumps, School in Kpan Town, Source: The New Dawn

Reports say inhabitants of Kpan Town in lower Margibi County are craving for a community school and hand pumps. The community Youth Chairman, Harris Williams asserted that the community lacks public schools and safe drinking water. He then appealed to the government to come to the aid of the residents.

Ellen Breaks Ground for Medical College Dormitories, Source: The INQUIRER

The president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has broken ground for the construction of the University of Liberia-A.M. Dogliotti College of Medicine pre-clinical medical student’s dormitories. Speaking   in Fendell Monday at the ceremony, the President said when people acquired education,  skills and knowledge they can positively contribute to national development, while at the same time decrying the poor condition at the old Dogliotti College which she noted there was no reason for such condition to exist.

Protest at MVTC, Sources: The INQUIRER and INSIGHT

Reports say last week student protest at the Monrovia Vocational and Technical College (MVTC) which started a week ago, may get out of hand if nothing is done to arrest the situation. The protest has been over instructional materials and also in solidarity with their teachers who have not taken pay for 5 to 6 months according to the report.

Alpha Phi Alpha joins 16-Days of Activism, frowns on amended Rape Law, Source: The INQUIRER

The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the Men of Servants of All Prayer Assembly have joined the 16-days of activism launched by the Gender Ministry to fight sexual and gender-based violence in the country. The two groups said rape becoming a bailable crime poses a danger to the safety of women and children. The National Legislature months ago voted to make rape a bailable offence.

Participants make Recommendations to Reduce Child Labour, Source: The INQUIRER

Participants at a just-ended four day workshop to develop a multi-year work plan to implement the National Action Plan on the Elimination of the Worse Forms of Child Labour in Liberia, have said that child labour prevents  children from enrolling in schools, limits their future livelihood opportunities and  their ability to transform from school into decent work.

The workshop took place recently at the Liberia Chamber of Commerce office in Monrovia from 21-24 November 2017 under the auspices of the National Commission on Child Labor (NACOMA) of the Ministry of Labor with support from the WinRock/CLEAR II Liberia Project.

Liberians languishing in Libya, Source: The INQUIRER

Several Liberians are said to be among other Africans facing hardship in Libya, according to western media report. The Liberians are among hundreds of Africans wanting to travel to Europe for greener pastures.  A CNN report describes the harsh condition faced by the African migrants in Libya as ‘Modern Day Slavery’. Swaray Perry, a Liberian in Libya told CNN that women are being used as sex slaves.

Speaker Emmanuel Nuquay’s Capitol Hill Office Burglarized, Sources: FrontPage Africa and INSIGHT

The Forensic Unit of the Liberia National Police (LNP) is investigating an alleged burglary of the Office of House Speaker, Emmanuel Nuquay which reportedly occurred over the weekend. According to Mr. Edward Kennedy, Chief of Office Staff of the Speaker, no suspect has yet been identified but a television; decoder and other items were taken away by the thieves.

“The doors were not broken into so far from what we have observed. There are two scenarios to this incident: one is that someone with the keys went in and another is that either the person entered by way of the annex under construction. But the police is still investigating”. Kennedy said.

Integrating Private Security Firms into National Security ... LNP Chief embraces move, Source: INSIGHT

The Liberia National Police has welcomed a move for private security institutions in the county to be integrated into the national security sector of the country.  Police Inspector General, Gregory Coleman made the disclosure in an interview with journalists Monday. Col. Coleman said work is being done to encourage the integration to allow for what he calls maximum positive output and sustainable pace in the country.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA ON LIBERIA

In Gbarpolu County: Citizens Concern about Runoff Delay, Expressing Fear on Constitutional Crisis, Source: GNN Liberia

Gbarpolu County Superintendent Armah M. Sarnor is calling on people of the county to remain peaceful and patient as the legal process reaches the Supreme Court of Liberia. People in Gbarpolu County are becoming anxious about the trend the ongoing legal tussle into the election between the Liberty Party and the National Elections Commissions (NEC) is taking. Expressing their dismay and concern on a local community radio – Voice of Kpo, they expressed fear about a potential constitutional crisis if the legal proceedings are not concluded within the electoral time limit. “Up to present, because of the elections case, we are not able to elect our president and vice president. We are afraid of going into constitutional crisis during this delay of 2017 election,” said Stephen Kollie, an official of the county civil society organization.

Alvin Yah of Henry town in Bopolu district added: “This is the first time we are experiencing this kind of election case in our country. We just need to keep engaging our leaders for information about the whole election business”. Many people in the county are calling on the local authority and NEC to keep informing the public about matters relating to the electoral process and the ongoing litigation about the election. “For me, since we did not go to the runoff on 7 November, I just want our big-big people (authorities) and the election workers (NEC) to be giving us information on this radio every day about the case,” said Tokpa Mulbah, a resident of Weasua Town in Gbarma district.

A potential run-off between opposition Coalition of Democratic Change and the ruling Unity Party is being delayed due to ongoing legal action by Liberty Party against results of the first round of voting announced by the National Elections Commission. Liberty Party has accused the NEC of elections “irregularities and fraud”. This has ignited mix views and debate about a potential eruption of violence in the country. Following two ruling against its arguments by the NEC hearing officer and Board of Commissioners, LP has taken its case to the Supreme Court, where a final ruling into the case is expected to be made in seven days. Read More

UN Women Representative urges stronger commitment to curb violence against women and girls, Source: GNN Liberia

The Country Representative of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) Mrs. Marie Goreth Nizigama has called on all stakeholders to take a united action in the relentless fight to end violence against women in schools, educational institutions and all places. Madam Marie Goreth delivered the keynote address at the official launch of the ’16 Days of Activism’ in Liberia held on 25 November 2017 at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion in Monrovia.

From the 25 of November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign is rolled out to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world. Madam Marie Goreth told guests at the 16 Days of Activism launch event that it was time for all stakeholders including, individuals, communities and the state to reflect on their responsibilities in addressing the issue of violence against women and girls.

The UN Women Liberia Representative specifically highlighted the role of parents in preventing sexual and gender based violence against their children. “Parents are equally accountable when they leave their girl child vulnerable in homes, on the road to school and even having them fend on street corners for livelihood,” she pointed out. Madam Marie Goreth spoke of the importance of increased awareness on the issue of violence against women to help address the negative stereotypes and perceptions that perpetuated the abuse of the rights of women and girls. The UN Women Liberia Representative joined other speakers to call for an end to school related violence, which is the focus of this year’s ’16 Days of Activism.’ Read More

Disclaimer
 

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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