By Jerromie S. Walters
The Senate and the House of Representatives in their regular session adopted a joint resolution, LEG-001-3/2023, to adjourn the 54th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia from Wednesday, November 1, 2023, to Monday, November 20, 2023.
The resolution comes in light of constitutional obligations, as outlined in Article 80c, which guarantees every Liberian citizen the right to be registered in a constituency and to participate in public elections only within their registered constituency. The exercise of this right was witnessed during the recent elections held on October 10, 2023.
Meanwhile, the National Elections Commission has declared a Run-off Election between the two presidential candidates who secured the highest votes cast, as no candidate acquired an absolute majority in the initial ballot, as stipulated by Article 83b of the Constitution of Liberia.
According to House Press Director Robert Haynes, the Legislature recognizing the importance of active participation in the electoral process, especially given that members of the 54th Legislature registered and voted in their respective constituencies, it is imperative that each lawmaker takes part in the Run-off Election scheduled for November 14, 2023.
“Therefore, it is resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled; That the 54th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia has adjourned from Wednesday, November 1, 2023, to Monday, November 20, 2023.” the resolution quoted.
Director Haynes said the joint Legislative resolution stands as a testament to the commitment of the Republic of Liberia to upholding democratic values and ensuring the active engagement of its lawmakers in the electoral processes.
He averred that the Joint Resolution was officially adopted on the 30th day of October, A.D. 2023, at the Capitol Building in the city of Monrovia, Republic of Liberia.
The National Elections Commission (NEC) of Liberia has released the final results from the recently concluded elections, setting the stage for a runoff scheduled for November 14. The NEC declared that after a thorough and transparent electoral process, no candidate secured the 50% +1 vote majority to claim an outright victory.
“With the results of the 10 October polls showing that no presidential ticket obtained 50% of the votes, a runoff elections is hereby declared to be held on Tuesday, 14 November between the two tickets that obtained the highest votes of the CDC and UP,” the NEC boss revealed
At a press conference held at the NEC headquarters, Tuesday, October 24, 2023, NEC Chairperson, Madam Davidetta Browne Lasannah, revealed the final tallies from the October 10 polls, with incumbent President George Weah leading with a total of 804,087 votes, constituting 43.83%, followed by former Vice President Joseph Nyuma Boakai with a total votes of 796,961, accounting for 43.44%. With a turnout of 78.86%, citizens engaged in the democratic process, expressing their hopes and concerns for the country’s future.
The NEC reported that the runoff, slated for November 14, will be a crucial moment for Liberia. The two leading candidates, incumbent President George Weah of the CDC and former Vice President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of the former ruling UP, will now intensify their campaigns, vying for the support of the voters who will determine the next leader of the nation.
As the countdown to the runoff begins, the NEC has urged all candidates, political parties, and supporters to maintain the spirit of peace and fair play. The people of Liberia are encouraged to participate actively and peacefully in the upcoming runoff election, exercising their democratic right to choose their next leader.
Security measures will be enhanced across the country to ensure a safe environment for both candidates and voters. The NEC, in collaboration with relevant authorities, is working tirelessly to guarantee a smooth and incident-free electoral process.
The NEC says it remains committed to ensuring a credible and transparent electoral process, upholding the democratic aspirations of the Liberian people. As the nation moves forward toward the runoff on November 14, all eyes are on Liberia, anticipating the peaceful and democratic transition of power.
