Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-04-16 00:53:00
Ballots for two crucial by-elections in Nimba County and Grand Gedeh District arrive in Monrovia, Liberia, seven days before the scheduled polls on 23rd April. These elections are being held to fill the vacancies left behind by Vice President Koung and the late Rep. elect Erol Madison Gwion. The National Elections Commission (NEC) made the announcement about the arrival of the ballot papers for the senatorial by-election in Nimba County and the Grand Gedeh District #1 Representative by-election during a press briefing on Monday, April 15, 2024, at NEC headquarters in Monrovia.
Chairperson Davidetta Browne Lansanah stated that the ballots, which arrived from the Republic of Ghana through the Roberts International Airport on April 13, 2024, are now ready and in line with the commission’s operational plan and electoral timeline. The number of ballots for the Nimba Senatorial By-Elections is 413,050, and for the Grand Gedeh District #1 Representative by-election is 26,400. These ballots, along with other materials such as Record of the Count forms and Tactile Ballot Guide, are securely stored under state security supervision.
The deployment of ballots and election materials to Nimba County and Grand Gedeh District #1 has already begun, with the packaging of materials in the NEC Central Warehouse nearing completion. Training for temporary staff and electoral supervisors is ongoing, with Cascade training for temporary staff currently in progress and training for poll workers set to conclude on April 21, 2024. The political campaigns for the by-elections started on April 4, 2024, and are progressing peacefully.
The NEC has set guidelines for political campaigns, reminding all candidates to conduct their campaigns peacefully and adhere to the Commission’s regulations. Accreditation tags for party agents will be issued starting April 17, 2024. The Commission encourages observer institutions, including the media, to request accreditation by April 18, 2024, to observe the by-elections.
Civic and voter education activities were launched on March 22, 2024, in both counties. This included the distribution of materials to educate and inform citizens in Nimba and Grand Gedeh. The Commission revealed the number of registered voters in each county and the polling staff required to conduct the elections efficiently. There are multiple candidates running in each election, with the NEC working closely with stakeholders to ensure the successful conduct of the by-elections.
The government has allocated funds for the elections, with the NEC stating that $2,026,588.50 has been provided to conduct both polls. The Commission continues to update the public regularly on the progress of the elections. With preparations in full swing and training ongoing, all eyes are on Nimba County and Grand Gedeh District as they gear up for these crucial by-elections on April 23, 2024.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
