PHOTO: NEC Chair Davidetta Browne-Lansanah
By Garmah Never Lomo, garmahlomo@gmail.com
TEMPLE OF JUSTICE, Monrovia- In obedience and response to the Subpoena issued on The National Elections Commission chairperson Davidetta Browne Lasannah appeared at the Monrovia City Court today, Wednesday, May 4,2022, with a purported photocopy document believed to be the original copy of the CPP framework document.
But to many court watchers surprise, she failed to confirm whether it was the original filed by the then Chairman of the CPP Alexander Cummings on July 10, 2020.
The alleged tampering with the CPP framework document is at the center of the ongoing court case against the opposition Alternative National Congress (ANC) political leader, Alexander Cummings who is being accused of forgery by Benoni Urey’s All Liberian Party (ALP) and the former ruling Unity Party of ex-Vice President Joseph Boakai.
While on the direct examination, the NEC boss was asked by one of the state lawyers Cllr. Johnny Momo:
“Madam witness you were subpoenaed to bring the original copy of the CPP framework document did you bring it?”
She responded, “yes, I do have the exact copy of the CPP framework document submitted at NEC in my possession at this court.”
When a follow up question was asked as to what she means by the exact copy of the CPP framework document, Mrs. Browne-Lansanah responded by saying, what she mean is that the exact copy that was submitted to the NEC is the exact brought to the court.
Another question: “Madam witness the original framework document of the CPP that you have just presented that I hold in my hands is photocopy. Do you confirm this instrument to be the exact copy that was received and filed?”
In response to the question mentioned above, she said it a requirement by all political parties to submit a framework document to the NEC.
“Madam witness, please state whether or not all political parties, alliances and independent candidates while communicating with the NEC must do so on a letter head depicting the color, logos, etc?” the state lawyer further probed the NEC Chair.
This question was objected to by the defense lawyer and said objection was sustained based on ground given.
“Madam witness, cover page in CPP framework document does it has standard requirements?”
Her response: “All political parties, alliances and coalition are required to submit a framework document and this didn’t answer the question above.”
There was a follow up question. “Madam witness, please tell this court whether the NEC can accept photocopy document from political parties, alliances and in this particular instance with the CPP?”
The answer given by the NEC boss was: “NEC received documents from political parties, alliances and coalition.”
“By this answer, it showed that madam Davidetta Brown Lasannah not wasn’t responsive and also exposed her of what has been obtaining at the NEC by giving the necessary answers to questions asked by the prosecution lawyers,” the state lawyer said.
“Madam witness, your answers are not responsive,” said Cllr. Johnny Momo.
Mrs. Browne-Lansanah answered, “I can’t speak to the issue that is before the Supreme Court for its determination.”
“Madam witness, the letter transmitting framework document of the CPP is dated July 10,2020 and received by Tutu Johnson on the same July 10,2020 at 2:30 pm.”
The Notorized stamp on each page of the framework document was on July 14,2020.
“Madam witness, pleased tell this court whether you observed these dates by the CPP,” said the state lawyer.
This question was objected to by the defense with grounds stated and it was sustained by the Judge.
“Madam witness, did you ever notify CPP of the chairmanship of senator Daniel Flomo Nathan?”
Her response, “NEC received documents from all political parties” and this question wasn’t answered per the question but rather she bypassed every question asked her.
The witness was later crossed examined by the defense lawyers and discharged by court with thanks.
Prior to the commencement of the trial, Cllr. Micheal Wilkins Wright was representing the NEC, but his representation was stricken from the meaning of court based on his involvement with issue at the NEC but he kept disrupting the trial despite he wasn’t part.
Meanwhile, the Monrovia City court headed by Magistrate Jomah Jallah suspended the ongoing CPP framework document forgery trial for the day, pending notice of assignment.
State lawyers include Cllr. Saymah Syrenius Cephas, Cllr. Adolphus Karnuah, Cllr. David Wilson, Cllr. Johnny Momo, Cllr. Glorious Musu Scott, Cllr. Augustine Fayiah, Cllr. Milton Taylor, Cllr. Mohammed Sheriff and Cllr. Cole Bangalu among others.
The defense is being represented by Cllr. Abrahim Sillah, Sadiatu Williams, Cllr. Lafiah Gould, among others.