Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-02-19 01:30:00
Amidst the ongoing controversies surrounding the Grand Bassa District #5 Representative Elections, Christine Juah Settro, Dennis, a candidate for the position, has spoken out against what she perceives as injustice in the electoral process. In a press conference at Mamba Point Hotel in Monrovia, Mrs. Settro expressed her frustration over “systemic obstacles” that she believes are hindering her certification as the winner of the district’s seat in the October 10, 2023 election.
She accuses officials of the National Elections Commission (NEC) of showing favoritism towards her opponents and disregarding evidence that supports her eligibility for the position. The October 10, 2023 election in the district was marred by reports of malpractices and irregularities, prompting Ms. Settro to file a complaint at the Commission’s office in Grand Bassa. However, the NEC dismissed the complaint, leading her to file an appeal before the Board of Commissioners in Monrovia.
A hearing was granted, but despite evidence indicating the need for an automatic recount, the NEC denied the opportunity. Ms. Settro and her team sought relief before the Supreme Court, and on January 17, 2024, the Supreme Court ordered the NEC to conduct a recount of results from all 78 polling centers within the disputed district. However, the NEC only recounted 70 centers, leaving out 10.
In a statement issued to local media outlets, Ms. Settro expressed deep disappointment in the handling of the process by the NEC. She emphasized that numerous irregularities were discovered during the recount, including broken boxes and discrepancies in sealed numbers. Ms. Settro also highlighted specific instances where the number of votes in different polling places seemed to fluctuate after the recount, raising concerns about the accuracy of the results.
During the press conference, Ms. Settro emphasized that these concerns were raised during the process, but NEC officials attributed them to bad road conditions and proceeded with the recount, despite objections from her team. She also criticized the NEC for opening additional counting areas without proper staffing, leading to further complications.
Ms. Settro raised concerns about the total number of persons who voted in the October 2023 election, claiming that the number increased after the recount, which she found unsettling. She also expressed unease about the handling of the recount process and the certification of her opponent, Mr. Goshau, by the House of Representatives before her case was resolved.
Despite these challenges, Ms. Settro has remained steadfast in her pursuit of justice and has vowed to use all legal means possible to ensure her case sets a precedent for future electoral integrity in Liberia. She has called for transparency and accountability within the NEC and has appealed for international support and solidarity from women’s groups to stand against the injustice she believes she has faced.
As consultations continue, Ms. Settro remains resolute in her pursuit of justice and has called for action to address the marginalization of women in Liberia’s electoral processes. She has reiterated her commitment to using legal channels to seek justice and has urged for solidarity to address the injustices she believes she has endured.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
