Liberia's Election Commission Warns Against Discrimination

NEC Warns Voter Registrars
(culled from May 5, 2005 Daily Observer)

National Election Commission cautions workers not reject members of Mandingo ethnic group from registering to vote.
By J. Wesjwes@liberianobserver.com
Monrovia, May 3-The National Elections Commission (NEC) says its attention has been drawn to reports that some members of the Mandingo ethnic group are being rejected at various centers in the on-going voter registration exercise on the allegation that they are not Liberian citizens.
The release quotes the NEC as saying the rules disallowing non Liberians to register does not in any way target any group including Mandingo and has therefore called voter registrars not to interpret the regulations in a discriminatory pattern so as to prevent any eligible Liberian from exercising his franchise.
The NEC maintains that while there must be strict adherence to the provisions that non-Liberians must not register, voter registrars should not enforce this rule in a segregative manner or employ interpretations that could disenfranchise eligible Liberia.
The NEC further warns that voter registrars found disqualifying bona fide Liberians will be penalized.
NEC assures all Liberians, including members of the Mandingo ethnic group of Liberia that the rights of all tribes will be protected during this electoral process.

Low Voter Registration Upsets Ellen

Ellen Frowns On Low Voters’
Registration (culled from Liberan Analyst)
By Ora Garway

Unity Party (UP) Standard Bearer, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has spoken of the need to encourage eligible voters to turn out in their numbers to register to vote in the ensuing general and presidential elections.
Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf - UP
Madam Sirleaf indicated that much of her time would actually be spent on promoting the registration process which, she said, “is not responsive.”
She spoke yesterday upon her return home from a month-long tour in the United States and Philippines where she attended several meetings.
She said it did not matter which party one belongs to or for whom one would vote. ‘’What really matters is that you’ve got to be registered.”
The opportunities for Liberians to take charge of their destiny and start the process of change have come, she said, pointing out that “if eligible voters do not turn out in their numbers to vote because they did not register, it would question the legitimacy of the government elected.”
When the government is elected by the people, she said “It will have the mandate from the people to be able to institute and implement the kinds of changes that are necessary to lead the process of healing with economic reconstruction.”
According to her, ’the support we are getting from the international community would be dampened if they see the response of Liberians so weak’.’
When asked about her war-tie remarks that continue to spark political debates, Madam Sirleaf said ‘’What I said had to do with a response from Robin White who said bombs are flying all over the place with people being beheaded all over the place. President Doe won’t leave the Mansion’’
She said Robin said the only thing is to bring down the Mansion since Doe won’t leave it, adding ‘’ if it is the only way to get him out, then bring it down, we will rebuild it,’’ Sirleaf said.