Less Than 2 Months To Presidential And Legislative Elections
PHOTO: Judge Joe S. Barkon (above) and members of the Bar (below) during Monday’s opening of court
By Garmah Never Lomo, garmahlomo@gmail.com
BUCHANAN, Liberia- The Resident Judge of the Second Judicial Circuit Court in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, Joe S. Barkon has urged the Liberia National Police and other state security apparatus to be completely impartial and neutral by providing security protection to all political actors, their supporters and the public during the ongoing electoral process.
He said protection should be given all political actors and their supporters, irrespective of the parties or groups they belong to in the run up to the October 10, 2023 presidential and legislative election.
Twenty presidential candidates, including incumbent President George Manneh Weah of the ruling CDC party, will be contesting the presidency, while more than 900 candidates will be contesting the 73 seats in the House of Representatives and half of the 30-member Liberian Senate seats in the upcoming polls.
Judge Barkon if state security forces are impartial and neutral, the Liberian electorates can freely exercise their Democratic franchise and elect their choice at the ballot box.
The the Second Judicial Circuit Court in the southern port city of Buchanan gave the caution on Monday, August 14,2023 during the formal opening of the August A.D. 2023 term of court in Buchanan.
Judge Barkon also directed his call to the National Elections Commision’s Magistrates in the County to exercise a high degree of impartiality in conducting the October 10 elections to reflect the will of the people.
He said NEC should also be prepared to speedily dispose of elections disputes so that the public and our International partners can build confidence in those managing our elections and respecting the results from the polls.
Judge Barkon warned that it was unethical and against the Judicial cannon for any Magistrate or Judge to play active part in politics by supporting any candidates during these elections period.
Any of them wanting to play this role, he said must do the honorable thing by resigning now or else, Judicial action awaits such person when it is proven that such an individual is involved in political activities while occupying such a Judicial office.
Meanwhile, during the May A.D. 2023 term of court, there are six Criminal cases and fifty-two Civil cases, thereby making the total of fifty-eight cases on the Court’s docket for the past May term out of court.
According to court record, three Criminal cases were disposed of on the merit by jury trial, wherein three defendants were adjudged guilty and sentenced, respectively and one defendant acquitted for lack of sufficient evidence.
A partial view of Court Magistrates
Furthermore, one Civil case involving an action of damages for wrong was disposed of leaving the balance of fifty-four cases plus eleven new cases. This now makes it a total of 65 cases on the August term docket. In 2023, pre-trial motions and laws issued were also disposed of in other Civil cases. And those cases were ordered ruled to trial and additional three cases of summary proceedings filed against magistrates were disposed of.
Prospective jurors
For his part, the deputy County Attorney of Grand Bassa. J. Quiwoe Dennis has reported that state prosecutors are going through many challenges, citing the lack of vehicles and getting witnesses for cases.
He explained that complainants would bring cases to the court and when it time comes for the prosecution of said cases, they are not available, neither the witnesses, something he said is impeding the functions of courts.
Superintendent promises to support the work of the Court
Meanwhile, the newly appointed Superintendent of Grand Bassa County Eddie Williams has pledged his unwavering support to the Judiciary, promising to work with them.
Superintendent Williams said under his watch as head of the County, his administration will respect the rule of law and follow the path of justice.
He said in line with the Local Government Act, the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has begun training staffers in the County to begin reinforcing the revenue code which will also benefit the County.
Mr. Williams noted that elections have always been tense, but he called on everyone to be peaceful as Liberia goes through the ongoing electoral process.
“As head of the County, will serve as a father because I’m wearing political cap, but I will also serve as twin father for all political parties and I’ve begun engagement with the joint security to serve everyone equally including members of the public and should not be seen as partisan police,” the Grand Bassa County Superintendent said.
He has ordered that public facilities will be used by all political parties based on first come, first serve.
“It is better to go to Court than taking the laws into your own hands which he encouraged citizens and aggrieved parties to take advantage of the law.”