A delegation from the West Africa Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Mission, headed by former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, arrived in Monrovia on Sunday, gearing up for Liberia’s run-off presidential election scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, 2023.
Accompanying Dr. Jonathan is former Burkina Faso Prime Minister and ex-President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Kadre Ouedraogo, along with WAEF secretariat staff. Their presence during the electoral process aims to contribute their expertise as former sub-regional leaders to ensure the peaceful conduct of the elections, thereby strengthening Liberia’s democracy.
In an arrival statement issued in Monrovia, WAEF stressed the importance of peaceful conduct, urging Liberians to eschew violence during the run-off to prevent potential breakdowns of law and order. The statement, jointly signed by Jonathan and Ouedraogo, commended Liberians for their peaceful behavior during the October 10, 2023, first-round elections, extending well-wishes for another successful outcome in the upcoming run-off.
WAEF advised politicians to prioritize patriotism and lawfulness, emphasizing that personal ambitions should not supersede the collective interests of the country. The mission called on the two presidential candidates and their followers to adhere to the Farmington River Pact, ensuring a peaceful environment during and after the second-round presidential election.
Additionally, the WAEF Mission charged the National Electoral Commission (NEC) and security authorities to fulfill their mandates in accordance with electoral laws, ensuring credible elections that restore the hope, trust, and confidence of the Liberian people in their democracy.
The statement expressed commitment to supporting and encouraging peaceful conduct during the run-off, highlighting Liberia’s exemplary democratic track record over the past two decades. WAEF commended candidates for respecting the Farmington River Peace Declaration during the October 10, 2023 elections, resulting in a peaceful outcome.
WAEF, having engaged with Liberian stakeholders since July, reiterated its commitment to being a dependable ally in the development process, aiming to contribute to the consolidation of democracy and good governance in the West African sub-region.
The upcoming run-off involves incumbent President George Weah and opposition leader Joseph Boakai, following the October 12 election, which did not produce an outright winner.
