Joint Statement by International Partners on the Electoral Process in Liberia

The International Community in Liberia commends the people and Government of Liberia for the orderly and mainly peaceful manner in which the country has conducted recent elections, a concrete manifestation of its commitment to democracy, peace and stability. We further wish to commend the professional way the process was managed by the National Elections Commission.

The International Community in Liberia commends political parties, their supporters and other stakeholders for exercising patience and remaining calm as they awaited judicial review of the Lofa situation. We encourage outstanding grievances to be similarly addressed through established legal frameworks in a peaceful and transparent manner.

Liberia has a positive track record of mainly peaceful elections. We therefore urge all parties to reject the use of violence and avoid making statements that could further increase tensions in the upcoming Lofa County senatorial by-election. We underscore the need to ensure accountability for any violations that may occur during the electoral period.

The International Community in Liberia voices grave concern about worrying possible misuse of youth for partisan politics. This has the potential to escalate into violence. It is imperative therefore that the youth play a peaceful and constructive role in the electoral process and not feed a climate of fear.

The International Community in Liberia reaffirms the importance of women’s participation in elections, where there is a proud tradition in Liberia. We take note of the Liberian Government’s Page 2 of 2 2 stated commitment to increase women’s political participation through an enforceable 30 percent gender quota and call on the Government and all political parties to make good on this commitment.

In this regard, we stress the need for timely passage of the amended New Elections Law (1986) to ensure near equal representation of men and women in the legislature. We are encouraged by the positive steps undertaken by the Liberty Party, the Alternative National Congress, and most recently, the Congress for Democratic Change, to instigate electoral gender quotas and we would keenly urge others to also enforce the implementation of quotas.

The International Community in Liberia reaffirms its support to the people and Government of Liberia in their endeavours for a peaceful and prosperous country.

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