UN Resident Coordinator urges political aspirants to conduct issue-based and violence-free campaigns

UN Resident Coordinator Christine N. Umutoni Wednesday urged presidential candidates in the 2023 General Elections to conduct an issue-based and violence-free campaign with respect for the laws of Liberia and abide by the principles of the Farmington River Declaration they signed.

The Farmington River Declaration, she said remains a blueprint for peaceful and credible elections, which is a trademark for peace, inclusivity, a symbol of zero tolerance for violence against anyone, and most importantly zero tolerance for violence against women.

She was speaking in Monrovia during a forum with 2023 presidential aspirants and members of the Board of Commissioners of the NEC, ECOWAS, and UN-Liberia on promoting peaceful 2023 elections.

RC Umutoni reminded that Liberians are not merely electing individuals but are shaping the direction of their country, saying it is the responsibility of every citizen to vote with an open heart and consider the long-time implications of their choices.

The UN, she reaffirmed believes that Liberia’s progress depends not solely on the action of those who hold office but the collective spirit of understanding, and collaboration that each one of the candidates brings to ensure that the elections are conducted in an atmosphere of peace, inclusivity, and transparency. She said the UN system believes strongly in Liberia and the democratic ideals that the country upholds and is very happy to be working closely with ECOWAS and NEC.

RC Umutoni said presidential and Legislative elections are a moment of national pride when the citizens get to choose their leaders. She noted that the symbolic gesture of the gathering is a source of hope.

“In any country, elections are a critical period to demonstrate maturity. We have no doubt that as Liberia continues to be an example of peace in the region, the country will go through the elections successfully,” she declared.

She said voters' confidence in the elections is crucial, adding that continuing to build trust in the electoral process for many individuals and groups remains critical.

She however pointed out that one of the drivers of decreased confidence in the electoral process is misinformation and disinformation. Online-based information, particularly social media, she warned has the potential to cause problems if not well utilized, confusing and overwhelming voters, thereby threatening to derail confidence in the conduct of the elections, NEC, and its work. She urged the responsible use of the media for the common good of the electoral process.

RC Umutoni commended the chairperson and the Board of Commissioners of the National Elections Commission (NEC) for their continuing efforts to reaffirm and demonstrate their independence and impartiality to strengthen public confidence in the commission and the electoral process.

RC Umutoni said NEC is taking proactive measures to turn the tide of voters’ trust. as the elections approach, saying that increasing the confidence of all Liberians in all stages of the electoral process is very paramount.

RC Umutoni said the interactions among the candidates demonstrated the maturity of Liberians and congratulated them for the peaceful and cordial engagement, noting that to see candidates interact in a calm, peaceful, respectful, and friendly way is rare in the history of many elections. 

While expressing confidence that the interaction will not end in a symbolic gesture but continue throughout the electoral process, she stated that the messages of the candidates give confidence not only to Liberians and their followers but the international community.

“I congratulate all presidential candidates. Liberia has passionate individuals who have stepped forward to run for the highest office in the land. Each candidate represents a unique vision for his country’s future,” she stated.

As the campaign starts on August 6, she urged political parties and leaders to remember that in the midst of political events and various contrasting viewpoints, everyone is bound by the common desire and the pursuit for a better tomorrow and hence they must foster an environment where they can engage in meaningful, respectful, discussions, while challenging each other and keeping the ultimate goal of greater good for the country.

She admonished the candidates to do everything as part of their commitments to ensure increased women's participation and prevent violence against women. She also urged the inclusion of the youth and disabled in the political process.

While calling for a fair playing ground for everyone in the political process, she implored every candidate and citizen to commit to promoting positive and inclusive dialogue.

“Let us reject division and embrace the strength that comes from unity in diversity. By doing so we can truly exemplify the principles upon which this nation was founded. We must all stand together as one in this one Liberia, she concluded.

Chairperson Davidetta Browne Lansanah assured all political leaders, Liberians, and stakeholders that NEC remains committed to conducting the 10 October elections in a free, fair, and credible manner as it has been a hallmark of the institution.

NEC, she said considered the forum as a wonderful opportunity for positive engagement and called on all political leaders to play their role in ensuring that the electoral process progresses and continues peacefully.

She announced that the final list of candidates will be published on 5 August.

Concerning the preparations for the elections, Chairperson Browne Lansanah said NEC being cognizant of the huge infrastructural challenges, especially road connectivity has embarked on early procurement of materials for early deployment. NEC, she said has initiated conversations with some institutions to assist with the movement of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials to the counties.

She said that NEC is using a multitier approach for civic and voter education, including the use of CVE Cells, civil society, general outreach activities, electronic, print, and social media, as well as visual arts to educate and mobilize Liberians to participate in the electoral process from an informed position.

The Chairperson reiterated that while the commission had transitioned to biometric voter registration, voting in the October 10 elections will be done manually as has been done in the past.

President George Weah said the Farmington Declaration remains a solemn pledge to uphold the values of democracy, peace, and inclusiveness.

President Weah reminded the aspirants that together through the document they made a promise to the people of Liberia to create an environment that is free from violence and conducive to free and fair elections and must therefore lead by example and ensure that the electoral process is transparent and inclusive, thereby guaranteeing the unrestricted rights of every citizen to exercise their franchise peacefully.

“As we approach the October 10 Presidential and General Elections, let us remember that the success of these elections does not solely rest with the government but every single individual. It requires the fully committed participation of all citizens and the support of Liberian’s friendly partners, he stated.

He assured that the government in collaboration with NEC will spare no efforts in ensuring the that October 10 election meets all national and international standards.

“We are determined to uphold the principles of democracy and provide a level playing field for all candidates and political parties, he said.

The Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps, Cameroonian Ambassador His Excellency Beng’yela Augustine Gang encourages all stakeholders to keep the Farmington spirit and also bear in mind the need for peace considering that Liberia has celebrated 20 years of peace since the Accra Comprehensive Agreement and the end of the war.

He reiterated the assurances of the continuous support of the diplomatic corps to the electoral process. He also thanked the political leaders for reaffirming their commitment to a peaceful and secured election.

ECOWAS Ambassador Her Excellency Josephine Nkrumah commended NEC for its responsiveness and transparency as Liberia progresses to the electoral process.

“We have seen enhanced communications to the public and we have seen consensus building on the Inter-Party Consultative Committee (IPCC). Of course, we have seen the challenges as well and we have noted that NEC has been responsive to suggestions and advice, and assistance from all partners, be it international or national,” she observed.

NEC, Ambassador Nkrumah said has adopted strategies bearing in mind the challenges by working together to collectively ensure that free, fair, transparent, inclusive, peaceful, and credible elections are conducted.

She commended NEC and the presidential aspirants for the symbolic event. She said the presence of the aspirants is a clear testament and demonstration of peace for Liberia’s forward march.

In separate remarks, the candidates reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the Farmington River Declaration. They also affixed their autographs on several infographics with inscriptions of messages promoting peaceful elections and non-violence against women. The candidates also signed the sample ballots for the 2023 elections.