The President of the Republic, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, has reiterated the determination of his administration to ensure that the 2023 polls are conducted freely, fairly and transparently, consistent with Liberian law and international standards.
The Weah administration is conducting the 2023 general and presidential elections, slated for October 10, without the usual direct security and logistical supports that the international community had provided for decades until 2018 when the President took over national leadership.
In a meeting with the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General and Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simao, President Weah said he remains mindful of his moral and Constitutional responsibility to maintain national peace and stability by, amongst other things, sustaining and consolidating Liberia’s budding democratic culture which also entails the conduct of free and fair elections.
He said his government is already on record, not only for conducting a plethora of highly-contested by-elections, including senatorial midterm elections, which were widely declared free, transparent and fair, but has also provided ample funding for the works of the National Elections Commission (NEC) for the pending elections.
“My government remains unwavering to ensuring not just conducting credible elections but elections acceptable to the world,” he said. “I have signed the Farmington Declaration and living by every part of it. My messages since the period of campaign started have been about sustaining the country’s peace and stability.”
Dr. Weah, who is a former Liberia and United Nations’ Peace Ambassador, said his government would continue to empower the National Elections Commission (NEC) by providing the necessary funding and creating the enabling political environment for free and fair elections.
“Liberia is on the way to an inclusive and peaceful election. This is my commitment to Liberians and the world. I will ensure all within my powers that that happens under my watch,” he averred.
President Weah called on the international community and other political leaders to play their part for the betterment of the country.
For his part, the UN Senior Envoy thanked Dr. Weah for his decision and actions geared towards ensuring free, fair, transparent and credible elections.
The Special UN Secretary General Representative said, “The signing of the Farmington Declaration is a testament of your commitment to ensure a peaceful and credible elections.”
He also hailed the President for promoting women’s rights and empowerment in Liberia and ECOWAS.
“We are hopeful and poised to witness an election that is peaceful and will serve as an example to West Africa and the continent,” the UN Special Representative noted.