The West African Network for Peace-building election situation room has called on the National Elections Commission (NEC) to announce the results of the November 14, 2023, presidential run-off election timely as a means to reduce tension in the county.
In a closing statement on the presidential run-off election released November 15, 2023, WANEP official spokesperson Matthew Giah says the NEC should treat all electoral disputes equally and adjudicate them in a timely and transparent manner.
“We urge the NEC to continue to be professional and sensitive to the choices of the citizens as they timely release the results in line with the electoral law”.
At the same time, the election observer network has urged political parties to demonstrate leadership and tolerance in the acceptance of the outcome of the November 14, 2023, presidential run-off election.
WANEP implores political parties to encourage their supporters to be law-abiding and all Liberians to remain peaceful as they await the announcement of the official results by the NEC.
The cautions come days after the election, tension has ensued between rival supporters of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) incumbent President George Mannah Weah and Unity Party’s Joseph N. Boakai, following separate pronouncements and several claims on social media with both sides claiming victory and calling on their respective supporters to celebrate.
The Election situation room also underscores the need for the NEC to provide timely information to the public on any challenges coming out of Tuesday’s (November 14, 2023) polls on counting, collating, and transmission of results.
At the same time, it urges political parties to remain peaceful, abide by the laws, and refrain from using the media to claim victory until the certified and official results are declared by the NEC in keeping with the electoral laws of Liberia.
Joint Security should intensify timely and effective response. mechanisms to address security concerns during electioneering, the peacebuilding election situation room noted.
