Less than 24 hours after her own ruling party claimed she was part of an alleged fraud in the October 10, 2017 presidential and legislative elections, the office of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has dismissed the claims.
A statement read by her Press Secretary, Jerolemik Piah on Monday described the allegations as “hate speech and inciting language.”
Special Statement by the Office of the President
Her Excellency, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
October 30, 2017
The office of the President has learned with deep regret and disappointment, grave allegations levied by the Representatives of the Unity Party, Liberty Party and the All Liberian Party against the President of the Republic of Liberia.
The Office of the President wishes to state unequivocally that these allegations are completely baseless, and are an unfortunate attempt by agent provocateurs to undermine Liberia’s democratic process.
These allegations fall in the category of “hate speech” and “inciting language” which should be condemned and disavowed by all peace-loving Liberians.
We like to be specifically clear that at no time has President Sirleaf interfered in the process, outcome or results of the 2017 General and Presidential Elections.
All meetings, interactions or exchanges between the Office of the President and the National Elections Commission were consistent with her constitutional role to ensure that the process was supported and such interactions were initiated at the request of the Commission and never held secretly but in the presence of others even on occasion with the presence of international representatives, who remain concern about Liberia’s progress.
President Sirleaf has met with the numerous domestic and international observation missions, as well as the various technical advisors working to support the National Elections Commission.
Furthermore, the President reminds all parties of their signature to the Farmington River Declaration, which obliges all parties to pursue a peaceful judicial resolution to electoral disputes.
The President calls on all parties to refrain from utterances and actions that have the propensity to incite people and undermine the peace and stability of the country before, during and after the conclusion of the 2017 electoral process.
We encourage any and all political parties with evidence of any issues relating to the elections to present said evidence through the appropriate legal channels so that the issues may be adjudicated and, where necessary, our elections process can be improved.
The President remains confident about the ability of the National Elections Commission (NEC) to carry out professional, credible and transparent elections that accurately reflect the will of the Liberian people and Liberia’s Judicial Branch to adequately, transparently, fairly and impartially adjudicate any dispute arising thereof.
The facts must speak for themselves, and not be obscured by rumor, innuendo, fake news and false narratives.
The office of the President takes this opportunity to remind all Liberians of the appeal made to them by President Sirleaf on the eve of the October 10 Elections and ask that you take it to heart as the presidential run-off approaches:
- Go to the polls peacefully, respecting every Liberian’s right to vote with dignity and pride. Embrace your neighbor, regardless of their political choice. The peace is for you to protect and preserve.
- Remember that you are an empowered people, the future of the country is in your hands. No one is entitled to your vote –not because of party, ethnicity, religion or tribal affiliation.
- All must respect the outcome of the election.
Let’s continue to embrace democracy and make our country proud.