President Sirleaf commends Liberians for their patience in 'this time of uncertainty'

08 Novembre 2017

Monrovia, Liberia, November 8 (Infosplusgabon)  - Liberia's President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Tuesday commended Liberians for their patience, and peaceful demeanor as they go through this time of uncertainty in the country's electoral process, awaiting the historical presidential transition.

"Liberia’s laws and democratic institutions are strong. They will withstand this challenge, and they will stand the test of time," she said in a broadcast to the nation as the second round of presidential election that was scheduled for Tuesday to choose her successor has been frozen by the Supreme Court.

The apex court upheld an appeal by the Liberty Party, which came third in the first round of voting, that its protests were not heard by the National Elections Commission (NEC) before the first round results were announced. The run-off was scheduled between ex-footballer George Weah and incumbent vice president Joseph Boakai.

President Sirleaf said Liberians can strengthen the laws by demonstrating maturity, and not abuse positions or misuse the platforms that have been made available to the country through news media and new technology.

"We must continue to respect each other, the rule of law, human kindness and decency.  Allegations, hate speech, inciteful language has been defining what should be a proud moment in our history."

President Sirleaf said she was glad that all political parties had agreed consistently and publicly to adhere to the provisions provided under the laws.

These provisions include the right to challenge, through an established and orderly process, the voting and electoral arrangements that have been put in place.

"Democracy is only as strong as its weakest link and at these moments, our democracy is under assault.  Our country’s reputation is under assault, our economy is under stress.

"We politicians must do better.  Our people went the distance.  We achieved 73 percent voters’ turnout demonstrating confidence in our electoral process and the future of our country.

"Historians will look back at this time and judge us by how we conduct ourselves at this critical moment in time."

President Sirleaf ends her second term in January next year and it is expected that the National Elections Commission would act as directed by the Supreme Court which would then give further directive on the electoral process.

FIN/INFOSPLUSGABON/IPL/ GABON 2017

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