Press Release
Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa- International Election Observation Mission to Liberia 2023 (EISA-IEOM) condemns Electoral Violence in Foya district, Lofa County.
Release Date: October 1, 2023 – Monrovia
The EISA-IEOM acknowledges and strongly condemns the acts of violence that emerged in District Number 1, Foya town in Lofa County on September 29, 2023, involving supporters of the Coalition for Democratic Change and the Unity Party. Regrettably, this incident led to the reported loss of three lives.
It is deeply saddening that an election, intended to celebrate diversity and democratic choice, has resulted in a tragic loss of life. One death is one too many, and elections should be a platform for peaceful and fair competition, where the sanctity of life is held in the highest regard.
EISA-IEOM extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes for a swift recovery to those injured in this regrettable act of violence.
Violence, regardless of its scale or intended targets, undermines the entire electoral process. The EISA-IEOM urges political leaders to exercise the utmost restraint and implores law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served by apprehending those who have violated national laws. We reiterate our call to the Liberian National Police and the Joint Security Taskforce Committee to implement enhanced security measures for the protection of the public, voters, candidates, and all stakeholders during the remaining election period and the post-election phase. State security institutions are further urged to practice restraint in controlling crowds. The use of live bullets should be deployed as a last resort in restoring order and calm.This tragic incident occurs at a time when political campaigns across the country have, for the most part, been peaceful. As such, EISA-IEOM calls upon all stakeholders to abstain from any actions that could escalate tensions.
We urge all stakeholders in Liberia to unite against all forms of violence, not only during electoral processes but also beyond the current elections. We call on political parties and independent candidates to educate their supporters on the importance of adhering to the Farmington River Declaration principles.
EISA-IEOM remains committed to supporting Liberia’s democratic journey, hoping for a peaceful electoral period marked by respect for the rule of law and the preservation of life and dignity. EISA-IEOM is engaging with domestic and international groups to support a peaceful and transparent election on 10 October 2023, and calls on all stakeholders to support these goals for a prosperous Liberia.
The EISA IEOM has been in Liberia since January 2023, following key electoral activities through the deployment of Long-Term Observers. All queries/ engagements emanating from this statement should be directed to: EISA-IEOM Media Analyst, George Yonbior Sharpe at Yonbior@eisa.org
About USAID Support to EISA-IEOM to Liberia: The USAID-funded EISA International Election Observation Mission (EISA-IEOM) Activity seeks to enhance the integrity of the 2023 Liberia Presidential and Legislative elections through the deployment of an independent international election observer mission (EOM) to monitor, assess and report on all phases of the electoral process in accordance with international and regional benchmarks. The IEOM is implemented in close coordination with the financial support of USAID/Liberia and will complement the efforts of other electoral stakeholders.