The National Elections Commission (NEC) has given all political parties and candidates in the pending October 10, 2023 general and presidential elections an ultimatum to submit their campaign schedules to the NEC or county magistrates for approval.
The NEC issued the ultimatum over the weekend following the collision of supporters of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and the Unity Party (UP) in Montserrado County’s district #9, which resulted into another scene of election violence, leaving several persons wounded from both ends.
The NEC said the political parties and candidates have up to Thursday, August 17, 2023 to submit their schedules for revision and subsequent approval, or have themselves to blame.
In a release signed by the Director of Political Affairs, Ignatius B. Wisseh, the NEC said, “In keeping with the key electoral dates published by the National Elections Commission (NEC), the campaign activities for the 2023 general elections run from August 5 to October 8, 2023.”
According to the release, “The 2023 campaign guidelines (submission of campaign schedule) require a party/candidate to notify the commission in writing no later than seven days before the commencement of campaign activities of its schedule of campaign, stating the date, time and venue. Some parties/candidates have not submitted their schedules.
“In view of the above, all parties/candidates who have not submitted their schedules are requested to do so on or before Thursday, August 17, 2023. Be reminded that your submissions should be done at the following locations: presidential candidates, to the Chairperson of the NEC, 9th Street, Monrovia, Liberia; and representative and senatorial candidates, at our magisterial offices in the counties.”
The release continued, “Furthermore, the commission urges all candidates within these elections to ensure full compliance with the 2023 Farmington River Declaration signed on April 4, 2023 and July 21, 2023 by registered political parties and independent candidates.
“For the love of country, we urge all candidates to ensure that Liberia is free from all forms of election violence during this campaign period.”