The Chief Imam of Liberia, Ali Krayee,  has warned the authority of the National Elections Commission that any attempt to conduct the 2023 elections outside the bounds of transparency would lead to chaos.

"NEC has to be more mindful because it’s only free, fair, and credible elections that can ensure peace in this nation," Krayee warned in an address celebrating the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.  “If the NEC authority creates hell in this country, they will not escape it. If the situation does not affect you, your children will be affected. Liberia has bled for too long.”

According to Krayee, If the result of the 2023 election is not credible, the peace and stability of the country could be threatened, as “it was in 1985.” 

The 1985 election was a turning point in Liberian history. It marked the beginning of a period of instability and violence in the country, as opposition to the later President Samuel Doe's regime grew into armed conflict in 1989, leading to 14 years of civil unrest and the destruction of lives and property. The election result was widely criticized by international observers as rigged.

The Iman noted that for democracy to deepen in Liberia, the electoral body should do all within its powers to ensure that the election is free of foul play   "so as to serve" as  antidotes to check-mate unconstitutional change of governments as witnessed within the last three years within the ECOWAS sub-region."

He warned that the international community is watching as Liberia goes to these elections, and the NEC cannot escape the consequences of any chaos that it may cause. 

“[NEC] you will not escape the hell you will help create.  It is only free, fair, and transparent elections that can ensure peace in Liberia,” Krayee said. “ Political parties need to be vigilant when it comes to polling places measures during these elections.  NEC should not create scenes that will lead to problems because it’s a recipe for violence.”

“Therefore, we will  pray that Allah will guide the men and women of the National Elections Commission and all election workers across the country so that they can put their country first and do those things that are necessary for a peaceful election.”

The Imna calls for credible elections stem from his belief that the 2020 midterm senatorial election was conducted outside the bounds of good electoral practice.

“If the 2020 election is anything to go by, then Liberians have many reasons to worry because the ways some aspects of the 2020 election were handled by the National Elections Commission did not go well or meet good election best practices.  Therefore care should be taken by the election authority of the October 10 polls.”

However, Krayee did not provide any evidence to back up his claims that the 2020 senatorial elections fall short of international best practices.

Liberians will on October 10, go to the polls to elect a President along with 15 members of the Senate and 73 Representatives. President George Weah has declared his second term bid amid top contenders Joseph Boakai, former vice president during the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf administration, and Alexander Cummings of the Alternative National Congress party.

Meanwhile,  Iman Krayee has also warned his Muslim compatriots to work and live in line with God’s words, and not man’s words.  

“If you are a businessman and involved in cheating people to get profits, you will not go to paradise. If you have abandoned your children or sacrificed your child for wealth or riches, you will not go to paradise. If you can drink alcohol, you will not go to heaven,” Krayee said.

Krayee said it’s important for Muslims to learn to get closer to Allah, saying idol liars, betrayers, and those who have refused to be on the side of Allah, despite fasting for 29 or 30 days will find themselves in hell.

“Heartless fathers who abandoned their children will be in hell and wicked mothers who kill their children even in their wombs will be in hell. Parents who sacrifice their children for wealth or riches will be in hell. Ritualistic murderers who sacrifice other children and women in order to win elections to be in power or get power will be in hell,” Krayee said.