UNMIL echoes that free and fair elections are crucial for the maintenance of peace and security in Liberia

UNMIL’s DSRSG for Political and Rule of Law, Mr. Waldemar Vrey addresses the Judicial Retreat in Gbarnga, Bong County.

Minister of Justice Fredrick D. Cherue 

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18 May 2017

UNMIL echoes that free and fair elections are crucial for the maintenance of peace and security in Liberia

Gbarnga, 18 May 2017 – UNMIL’s Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Political and Rule of Law, Mr. Waldemar Vrey today visited Gbarnga Bong County.  At the opening of a three-day Judicial Retreat under the theme “Strengthening the Rule of Law Through Enhanced Judicial Performance”, DSRSG Vrey called on the National Elections Commission to ensure that the presidential and general elections scheduled for October this year, are transparent, inclusive and peaceful.

“Presidential and General elections will take place in October.  Ensuring that elections are free and fair is crucial to the maintenance of peace and security,” said DSRSG Vrey.  He pointed out that institutions vested with electoral functions are expected to contribute to the smooth and transparent conduct of the elections in Liberia.

DSRSG Vrey urged the Judiciary to provide the required platforms for assessing judicial progress, ensuring commitment to clear and defined actions for implementation within a reasonable timeframe to enhance judicial performance.  He noted that some progress has been made in ensuring that judicial discipline and uprightness are maintained in the judiciary to enhance performance and transparency that was clearly demonstrated in the recent dismissal of erring judges and lawyers. “These are welcome examples that will strengthen public confidence in the impartiality of the courts”, he added.

The Chief Justice of the Republic of Liberia, Francis S. Korkpor stated that the retreat was organized to prepare the judiciary for the coming presidential and general elections slated for October this year.  He pointed out that the judiciary is very sacrosanct to upholding the Rule of Law and sustaining democracy in the country.

Chief Justice Korkpor said that it is important that the Judiciary abstain from all political frays and alignments at all times, especially during this, an election year in order to remain above reproach and uphold our independence and neutrality. “It is important that by our judicial actions and decisions, we create an enabling environment for the free and fair conduct of the elections.” highlighted Mr Korkpor.

The retreat was organized to enable judges to reflect on their respective roles and responsibilities in enhancing the work of the judiciary, discuss their shortcomings and identify ways to improve and commit to the ideals of fair dispensation of justice and dispel the negative notions and perceptions of the judiciary.

Minister of Justice Fredrick D. Cherue and Bong County Superintendent Selena Mappy-Polson were also present at the opening of the retreat.