National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NSCL) has asked the National Elections Commission (NEC) to explain why Botoe Kanneh has not been certified as winner of the senatorial election in Gbarpolu County.

Top media organisations and observers have projected Kanneh as winner of the poll.

Kanneh, the only woman in the race, and her supporters were allegedly attacked during a rescheduled election in Nomodatanau, a major town in the county’s third electoral district in December 2020.

Kanneh and her team claimed the attack was a plot to weaken the politician’s chances of winning the senatorial race.

Local media reports say the election in the town had been rescheduled when the Nomodatanau Paramount Chief, McGill Wleh, allegedly ceased the ballot boxes for some unexplained reasons.

The election was finally held in January 2021 and Kanneh was projected to win Gbarpolu County based on results from the NEC tally sheets given to candidates’ representatives.

However, the electoral body has not made any official declaration on the election in Gbarpolu.

Speaking at an event marking the 2021 International Women’s Day (IWD), the Chairperson of the NSCL, Loretta Pope-Kai, said the delay in Kanneh’s certification is an infringement on her rights.

‘We call on the national government through the Ministry of Justice and Internal Affairs to separate our sacred tradition from political processes’, she said.

‘A level, unrestricted and secure political environment must be created and sustained for all Liberians – this is a constitutional and fundamental rights entitled to all citizens.

‘These are legal instruments that strengthen and consolidate our democracy, promote collective ownership, inclusive and prosperous society’.

The IWD event, held at the ministerial complex in Monrovia, was organised by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady.

Source: Front Page Africa

Photo source: National Elections Commission