By Wholquoi T. Yeahgar
ywholquoi@gmail.com
Monrovia- The Speaker of the Liberian House of Representatives, Dr. Bhofal Chambers has acknowledged the constitutional bridge surrounding the holding of two senatorial by- elections in Montserrado and Bong Counties.
Speaker Chambers acknowledgement is in the wake of a communication from President George Weah to that body to reset a new date for the conduct of the elections not later than July 31 this year.
In the communication sent to the legislature, President Weah informed members of both Houses that the National Elections Commission (NEC) has informed the Executive branch of government that it is prepared to hold the by-elections no later than July 31, 2018.
The sitting up of a new date follows the climaxed of the stipulated 90 days for the conduct of a by- election for a vacant seat following death, resignation, impeachment and election to another post.
Consistent with the powers conferred on the Legislature by Article 34 (i) of the Constitution, and the fact that they (legislature) are the direct representative of the people, the President requested that a resolution signed by both Houses confirming the holding of the by-election at the end of July.
Plenary of both House submitted the communication to their respective committees on Elections and Inauguration and State Enterprises.
On Wednesday, May 23rd, the Chairman of NEC, Cllr. Jerome G. Korkoya announced that the Commission has received from the Government of Liberia additional US$1,009,938 as part of the funding for the hosting of by-elections.
“This brings the total amount provided by the Government of Liberia to US$1,509,938,” Cllr. Korkoya disclosed.
It can be recalled, Liberians during the 2017 Representatives and Presidential elections elected both Senators George Weah and Jewel Howard Taylor as President and Vice President thus creating two vacancies in Montserrado and Bong Counties respectively.
Amidst their election, pending the conduct of the senatorial by- elections, the National Elections had initially complained about the lack of finance to hold the elections thus requesting a new date by the legislature.
But, Speaker Chambers in an acceptance speech of the president’s request added that it was a constitutional mandate for the legislature to act.
Meanwhile, Montserrado County District # 10 Representation, Yekeh Koluba has called for an apology from President Weah for what he calls a violation of the law.
