PHOTO: UN diplomat Christine N. Unutoni
By Garmah Never Lomo, garmahlomo@gmail.com
Monrovia, Liberia-The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Ms. Christine N. Unutoni has challenged lawyers and the country’s court system to take a lead role in ensuring that Liberians votes are protected and always promoted.
The UN official’s call was contained in her keynote speech made at the Liberian National Bar Association Annual Assembly held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo town held under the theme: Beyond Rhetoric and Impunity, Law, Governance and 2023-Election-the Basis for Democratic Necessity in Liberia over the weekend.
The UN diplomat noted that Theme for the LNBA Annual Assembly suggests a call for an election based on the law and tenets of governance, rather than impunity and rhetoric.
“I must reiterate that LNBA is a major stakeholder in the electoral process and must play a crucial role in setting the agenda of political discourse and proactively pointing the way out of any challenging situation that may arise,” she added.
During her remarks, she said, LNBA as a body is expected to engage in concerted non-partisan commitment to electoral integrity. Moreover, the LNBA has a crucial role in ensuring that electoral disputes are resolved in accordance with the rule of law and in a peaceful manner.
According to her, on April 4,2023, political parties will be signing the Farmington Declaration committing to a peaceful election and bringing any grievances to the law which is critical in the work the LNBA does as the country prepares for presidential and legislative elections on October 10.
“Ensuring a good environment for peaceful, free and fair also includes people trusting the legal system works and it is credible enough to support and claims that may arise.
Madam Umutoni disclosed that Liberia has made sufficient democratic gains, elections plus other political processes remain pivotal to the quality of the Country’s peace.
“One point must mention is the issue of monitoring the media. Information and communication is very critical and useful at any time in society but we must guard against misinformation and disinformation could continue a grave threat not only to the electoral process but to the peace and stability any country” UN coordinator added.
In the world of social media, this issue is becoming very important and there is a need for people to communicate responsibly. The legal system can help guide credible media practices, she said.
UNDP boss in group photo with officials of LNBA and AFELL
“As u know the UN has made the 7th of April an International Day for the campaign against genocide. I come from Rwanda and I can tell you hate speech through Radio LTRM was used as a tool of genocide. I don’t wish any country to experience what we experienced in Rwanda.”
It is important that the political competitive remains within the rule that all sides adhere to the tenets of the democratic process and desist from hate speech.
“I therefore wish to draw the attention of all political parties to keep the principles and commitments they make to prevent electoral violence, impunity and injustice,” Ms. Umutoni noted.
She further said that it is fundamental that Liberians must recall the foundation upon which the country was built which is carved in the preamble of the Liberian constitution in the following words: unity, liberty, peace, stability, equality, justice and Human Rights under the rule of law with opportunities for political, social, moral, spiritual and cultural advancement of our society for ourselves and for our prosperity.
Chief Justice Yuoh says Supreme Court poised to handle election disputes
For his part, Liberia’s Supreme Court Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh has assured Liberians that the Supreme Court is built, fortified, and judicially poised to hear and dispose of all and any elections disputes, regardless of their magnitude or underlying currents.
Liberians are expected to go the polls on October 10 this year, to elect new President and Vice President, and some members of the Legislature, according to National Election Commission (NEC) schedule.
Justice Yuoh maintained that it is an undeniable fact the election calendars are the most tumultuous and tedious times in the history of the Supreme Court.
She said the storms of elections cases are quietly brewing at the NEC gathering strength, velocity, and force preparing to dash on the shores of the Supreme Court’s docket like a monstrous wave.
She assured Liberians that the Supreme Court is resolved to dispense justice evenly without fear or favor.
The Chief Justice used the occasion to warmed party-litigants, political parties, and independent candidates to safeguard themselves with the best and astute lawyers who will exert their very best during the hearing of elections disputes.
Chief Justice Yuoh warming is in consonance with the Supreme Court’s opinion which states that it incumbent upon a candidate to ensure that he/she has in placed a qualify legal team who will be in the position to represent them adequately in elections disputes.
She noted: “we are unhesitant to state that if your lawyers fail to perfect your appeal, the Supreme Court, via a motion from the opposing party, will dismiss your case; if your case is shrouded with mere allegations, speculations, and doubts, rather than evidence, the Supreme Court will reject your claim,” she stated.
Among other things. Chief Justice Yuoh said that the Supreme Court Bench will only be moved by strong and convincing evidence and not political ideologies, crowds or the recently created political slang of strongholds.