Liberia election international community eyes process

The 2023 Liberian presidential election has garnered significant attention from the international community, with many eyes on the process. Here are some key developments and concerns:

International Observers: The African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Carter Center have deployed observers to monitor the election. These organizations will assess the electoral process, including the voting, counting, and announcement of results.

Concerns: The international community has expressed concerns about the following:

  1. Voter registration: There have been reports of irregularities in the voter registration process, including allegations of fraud and intimidation.
  2. Partisan interference: Some parties have accused each other of interfering with the electoral process, including attempts to influence voters and disrupt opposition campaigns.
  3. Security: There are concerns about the ability of the Liberian security forces to maintain order and protect voters, particularly in areas with a history of political violence.
  4. Electoral commission: The Liberian National Election Commission (NEC) has faced criticism for its handling of the election, including allegations of bias and incompetence.

International reactions: The international community has issued statements urging calm and calling for a peaceful and transparent electoral process. Some notable reactions include:

  1. United States: The US State Department has expressed concerns about the election process and called for a peaceful resolution to any disputes.
  2. European Union: The EU has urged Liberians to exercise their right to vote peacefully and called on all parties to respect the outcome of the election.
  3. United Nations: The UN Secretary-General has appealed for calm and called on all parties to respect the democratic process.
  4. African Union: The AU has urged Liberians to maintain peace and stability during the election and called on all parties to respect the outcome.

Key players: The international community is closely watching the election, particularly the following key players:

  1. George Weah: The incumbent President of Liberia, who is seeking re-election.
  2. Cllr. MacDella Cooper: A former First Lady and presidential candidate, who is seen as a strong contender.
  3. Benoni Urey: A businessman and presidential candidate, who has gained popularity among some Liberians.

The international community will be closely monitoring the election results and the aftermath, with a focus on ensuring a peaceful and democratic transition of power in Liberia.