-US Charge’ d’ Affair discloses.
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
The United State government through the office of the Charge’ d’ Affair Catherene Rodriguez, has disclosed that punitive measures, such as sanctions will be taken against individuals who will contribute to acts that have the proclivity to undermine the credibility of the pending October 10, 2023, general elections.
“The United States is also prepared to assist in efforts to keep these elections free, fair, and peaceful by holding accountable anyone responsible for engaging in activities to undermine the democratic the election process in Liberia through additional measures such as sanctions.”
She added, “Like other countries in the world, your citizens will soon be celebrating your democracy by flocking to the polls to choose your leaders and representatives.”
With this, Madam Catherene Rodriguez urged the government to ensure that the elections are free, fair and peaceful.
“The government must ensure that these elections are fair, free, and peaceful elections, and to hold accountable those that would attempt to disrupt it.”
The U.S diplomat encouraged officials of government to also ensure that adequate investment is made through money, personnel, and organizational resources to protect its citizens, candidates, polling stations, and election workers from intimidation or harm.
She asserted that the eyes of the world are focused on these elections and how they are managed. She also recalled that the United States, as a longstanding partner of Liberia, along with the international community, has been working closely with the NEC to make sure that all election observers have full access to polling stations during election day, as well as access to the vote tallying.
“The U.S. Embassy through USAID is
directly supporting both international and domestic election observer missions, as well as its own
mission observing the election process across the country.”
Madam Catherene Rodriguez also revealed that few weeks ago, 12 Peace Corps volunteers were sworn in
during a ceremony at Monrovia city hall. According to her, they will be working in the education and health sectors during their service.
“This is so exciting because they are the first volunteers to return after the
worldwide evacuation of volunteers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Peace Corps has been in Liberia since 1962, the year after the Peace Corps began, and it is wonderful to have the newest cohort back, on the ground, and working in their communities.”
“Almost everyone I’ve met in Liberia has mentioned their positive interactions with Peace Corps volunteers. This is a rich history, and one that shows the deep relationship between our countries.”
At the same time, the US envoy noted that since she came to Liberia, she has visited the Mt. Coffee hydropower plant. As noted by her, the plant is a testament to the relationship between the US government and the Liberian government.
“Mt. Coffee Will serve as a reliable green energy resource as well as a gateway to further electrification of the
country a building block for Liberian sustainability.”
Madam Rodriguez concluded by lauding the Librarian media for the essential fact-checking, and the writing of stories that highlight issues affecting the communities.
