The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations of Liberia (COCSOL) has described the splinter of opposition against the nomination of Jonathan K. Weedor as Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC) as a political gambit being masterminded by certain individuals for their selfish political gain. The group, in a release issued Wednesday, stated that their intelligence bureau has informed them that Josiah Joekai, Director General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), and Atty. Janga Kowo, Chairman of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), are the two biggest masterminds behind the statements of opposition to Weedor’s nomination as the NEC Chairperson-designate.
Speaking at the news conference on Wednesday, the Spokesperson of the CSO Coalition, James Miller, stated, “The Intelligence Bureau of the COCSOL has informed us that the statements of opposition from the Student Unification Party (SUP) and the Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) is strongly financed and influenced by Josiah Joekai and Janga Kowo, both of which are bent on ensuring that Mr. Jonathan K. Weedor is not confirmed by the Liberian Senate as Chairperson of the National Elections Commission. It is highly disappointing that Mr. Joekai, who currently serves as Director General of the CSA will embark on an undermining spree to ensure that Mr. Weedor is not confirmed. This is a clear demonstration that Mr. Josiah Joekai is desperate for the Chairperson position of the Board of commissioners of the NEC. Mr. Joekai is on a political expedition spree, thinking that the denial of Mr. Weedor by the Liberian Senate will pave the way for him to get the job.”
The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations of Liberia further expressed disappointment in the Acting Chairman of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Atty. Janga Kowo, for using individuals and institutions to run unsubstantive arguments against Weedor’s nomination when he is fully aware of the Chairperson-designate’s experience and credibility to lead Liberia’s electoral body. “In fact, as Chairperson of the CDC, Atty. Kowo, lacks the moral rectitude to question Mr. Weedor’s competence and independence as a lawyer, who duly understands Article 2.5 of the Elections Law of Liberia,” the group observed.
The COCSOL maintained that the arguments of political affiliation made by SUP and STAND does not suffice because the election law provides that anyone who has affiliation with a political party should denounce such when taking oath of office as Commissioner of the National Elections Commission (NEC). The CSO Coalition contended that even in the wake of information available to the group that Weedor is not a member of the Unity Party, it is a Constitutional violation for anyone or an institution to call for a denial of Weedor’s right to serve his country as Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC).
Moreover, the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations of Liberia called on Josiah Joekai to focus on his work as Director General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA) and stop funding groups to oppose the nomination of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai who appointed him to head the CSA. The group further urged Atty. Janga Kowo to focus on rebranding the CDC to position the party for the 2029 elections, and abandon a failed agenda that will yield negative result for the CDC.
In conclusion, COCSOL urged Josiah Joekai and Atty. Janga Kowo to desist from funding and influencing individuals and institutions from opposing Weedor’s nomination, as the NEC Chairperson-designate possesses the requisite qualifications, competence, experience, and independence to head the National Elections Commission (NEC).
COCSOL comprises of ten collaborating organizations: Progressive Student Alliance of Liberia, Coalition of Youths and Student for Better Liberia, Liberia Anti-Corruption Movement, Independent Civil Society Network of Liberia, Movement for the Promotion of Transparency & Accountability, Liberians for Democratic Advancement, National Youths Movement for Good Governance, National Youth Council of Liberia, Youth Electoral Watch Platform, and Liberia Governance Watch Forum.
