Carter Center Encourages Liberian Political Parties to Continue to Use Existing Electoral Dispute-Resolution Mechanisms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 29, 2017
Contact: In Atlanta, Soyia Ellison, [email protected]                 
In Monrovia, Meaghan Fitzgerald, [email protected], +231(0)881-367-189 

MONROVIA — As Liberia prepares for a presidential run-off election, The Carter Center acknowledges the historic opportunity for the country to proceed with a peaceful transition of power from one democratically elected president to another.

The Center understands that some parties are challenging the election, and we are glad that today they have reiterated their commitment to using the appropriate legal dispute-resolution procedures provided in Liberian law. Complaints filed by these parties remain under consideration by the National Election Commission. The Carter Center’s election observation mission has been observing the proceedings and will continue to follow the process.

The Carter Center encourages all political parties to continue to use the existing electoral dispute-resolution mechanisms. The parties should allow the dispute process, including any and all appeals, to proceed and should respect the final decisions of the adjudicating bodies.

“It is imperative that all political parties allow the NEC and the courts to fulfill their function in this process and respect the court's final decisions,” Jason Carter, chairman of The Carter Center Board of Trustees, said following a press conference held today by political parties currently challenging the election.

The Carter Center released a statement two days after the election that covered its observations of election day, election preparations, and the campaign. The mission’s findings were based on a long-term observation effort that began in 2016 and included the deployment of more than 50 international election observers in all of Liberia’s 15 counties on election day. The mission remains in the country to observe the completion of the tabulation process and the adjudication of disputes.

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A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.