By Varney Dukuly
favorduke7@gmail.com
Monrovia-The European Union Election Observation Mission in Liberia has advanced several recommendations to the government of Liberia.
The EU Final Report, which offers 23 recommendations for consideration to the Liberian authorities, notes that despite the delay experienced in the holding of the second round of the presidential race, the election resulted in the first transfer of power from one elected government to another through a competitive multi-party system.
Announcing the release of the Final Report the EUEOM Liberia 2017 Chief Observer Maria Arena, Member of the European Parliament from Belgium, noted: “The elections in Liberia marked a defining moment in the strengthening of Liberia’s democratic institutions.”
Ms. Arena noted that “While a number of complaints filed in the wake of first round stalled the election process, giving rise to a period of uncertainty, political parties repeatedly called on their supporters, during the resolution of electoral disputes, to remain law-abiding and patient. This bolstered the commitment of Liberian voters and citizens to the rule of law, which allowed for the conclusion of a peaceful voting exercise”. During its five-month presence in Liberia from August 2017 to January 2018, the EU EOM issued two preliminary statements: one after each round of the elections, and one public statement after the final determination of key electoral complaints between the two rounds of elections.
“Of the 23 recommendations contained in our Final Report, six are offered as priority recommendations” underlines the Chief Observer. Among the suggested reform proposals are: removal of the ethnic definition of Liberian citizenship; a review of the constitutional timeline for handling electoral complaints; the adoption of a voter registration system based on a reliable Civil Register; further enabling opportunities to vote for citizens, including, persons turning eighteen, detainees and the hospitalised; measures for enhanced women’s participation; and extending domestic observation to the whole electoral cycle to reinforce the role of civil society in monitoring and reform of the electoral process.
The EU in its recommendation also wants the Liberian Legislature to initiate a constitutional referendum process for the successful removal of the ethnic definition of Liberian citizenship.
She further mentioned the need for increased women participation in future elections in the country, while at the same time calling on the NEC to improve access and opportunity for persons with disabilities.
The EU team told a News conference on Thursday, that they were pleased with the outcome of the 2017 elections in the country.
Source: European Union
