Liberia Election: Voting Day as it Happens
Polling staff preparing to sort presidential ballot papers (Photo: Anthony Kokoi)
- Vote Tallying Begins in Liberia
By David A. Yates and Alvin Worzi
Vote tallying has commenced in Liberia, marking a significant step towards solidifying the nation's democratic process.
As the ballots are counted and records all eyes are on this crucial juncture to evaluate the fairness and integrity of the electoral system.
Liberia, known for its tumultuous history marred by civil war and political instability, is seeking to showcase its commitment to democracy with these elections.
With an array of candidates vying for the Presidency and legislative seats, there is a palpable sense of anticipation among citizens for the final results.
Ensuring transparency and accountability throughout this process is imperative to maintain public trust in the electoral system, as well as to enhance national stability moving forward.
A well-executed vote tallying procedure will serve as a testament to Liberia's progress in strengthening democratic institutions and ultimately consolidating peace within its borders.
However, centers visited by our reporters in Caldwell, revealed that ballots were being counted in darkness.
Many also closed late, with voting officially ending at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, according to polling officers assigned to Caldwell. Additionally, ECOWAS observers at Maratha Baptist School, which is one of the voting centers in Caldwell, said voting had been "relatively peaceful".
Today, despite reported delays in the opening of some polling stations, citizens were enthusiastic and committed to exercising their democratic rights.
“For us young people, today means a lot because it is the day for youths to make a decision for this nation. Whatever we decide today will be the face of this country for the next six years,” said Mustapha Konneh, a first-time voter.
Limo Yarkpawolo, a native of Mano Wainsue, finds himself facing charges of electoral fraud after being apprehended with a counterfeit ballot paper while attempting to educate first-time voters online in Melekie, Bong County, Electoral District #3.
Upon a thorough police investigation, Limo was found in possession of ten thousand Liberian Dollars in his backpack, in addition to various other materials.
During questioning by the authorities, Limo claimed that he was dispatched by Bong County Senator Prince Moye to instruct first-time voters and facilitate their return to their respective destinations.
"Since the youth registered and departed for Monrovia, they lacked guidance on how to cast their votes. Senator Moye sent me from his farm in Todee with funds to educate them and ensure their safe journey back home," Limo explained during police interrogation.
The Daily Observer has been unable to independently verify Limo's claims against Senator Prince Moye, who also serves as the Campaign Manager for the opposition Unity Party.
While the forged ballot paper is linked to District #3 Representative candidate Paul Wheeler, Limo insisted that his orders came directly from Senator Moye.
After the preliminary investigation conducted by the Crime Service Division, its head, John K. Flomo, has “indicated that Limo Yarkpawolo will soon be presented in court to answer these allegations.”
Polls have closed in parts of Liberia, but individuals already in the queue will be allowed to vote in accordance with National Elections Commission regulations.
According to the NEC guidelines, polling activities must conclude by 6:00 PM, but individuals present in the queue before this deadline will be permitted to exercise their right to vote.
Today's election has seen an unprecedented surge in voter participation, a historic occurrence compared to the last three national elections in Liberia. The robust turnout at the polls will play a pivotal role in determining the nation's direction—whether to maintain the current status quo or embrace a new path.
However, the Daily Observer can confirm that the closure of the poll led to some people not being allowed to vote due to poor queue management by the National Elections Commission staff.
The limited availability of queue workers meant voters had to wait longer than expected, as the voting process was slow. For some, the required patience became unbearable, especially after reaching the precinct only to be informed that they were in the wrong queue, forcing them to abandon their efforts to cast their votes.
- Despite the Deadline, Voting Continues
By Anthony Kokoi
Even though the deadline of 6:00 p.m. has passed, voting is still going on at numerous polling places across the nation.
Here at the David Gueh Memorial Methodist polling place in District #6, Montserrado County, there are multiple lines of voters still waiting to vote
This situation is not specific to this center, as similar circumstances can be seen at other centers across the nation, including Paynesville City Hall.
This could lead to a scenario where counting takes place at some centers while voting continues at other centers.
Voters have criticised poll workers for the lengthy process of validating their names on the Final Voter Roll.
- Shortage of Polling Staff Slows Voting Process in Liberia
Voters across Liberia are facing significant challenges locating their precincts and enduring frustratingly long wait times due to a shortage of polling staff.
The Daily Observer visits nearly 100 polling stations spanning Nimba, Bong, Maryland, and Montserrado County -- revealing a situation exacerbated by the limited availability of queue workers. This issue was largely anticipated, given the limited civil voter registration efforts undertaken in the lead-up to the election.
With a high voter turnout expected for this election, many Liberians found themselves enduring frustratingly long waits, standing in queues for hours on end. For some, the patience required became unbearable, especially after reaching the precinct only to be informed that they were in the wrong queue, forcing them to abandon their efforts to cast their votes.
One frustrated voter, Martha Sumo, noted, "After finally reaching the precinct to vote, I was told that I was in the wrong queue. I couldn't bear the thought of waiting all over again, so I had to leave. This is discouraging."
"I have been standing here for nearly three hours, and I still haven't reached the voting booth,” says Paul Gono in Nimba. “It's frustrating because I want to cast my vote and make my voice heard, but the slow process is making it difficult."
A physically exhausted Emmanuel Lobboe, who reportedly has been in the queue for more than six hours, is thinking of leaving as he has not yet voted due to the slow movement of the queue. "I don't know what the people are doing inside there. I have been here too long," he said.
"I'm tired now and will soon be leaving. I have been on this line since this morning, but the line is not moving," said Josephine Jacob, who is voting in Montserrado County District #3.
Only four of the six NEC staff are present in the room in which Jacob is supposed to vote. Jacob's experience is similar to what the Daily Observer reporters had observed across the number of polling stations visited in four counties. Her frustration is common among Liberians at the various polling places.
"NEC didn't contract more people to do the work, so we are forced to multitask," a NEC staff member said. "I'm responsible for issuing the ballots, but I have to also stamp them because no one is here to do that.”
The NEC workers who the Daily Observer reporters spoke with have acknowledged the issues and said that they were working to address them.
They urged voters to remain patient, assuring them that measures are being taken to improve the situation. "We understand the challenges voters are facing, and we apologize for the inconvenience.”
Despite the frustrations and difficulties encountered by hundreds of thousands of voters, the overall voting atmosphere among Liberians remains peaceful as they are determined to participate in this important election, even in the face of adversity.
The peaceful nature of the vote comes after tension flared in the last few weeks of the campaign between supporters of President Weah and his main rival, Boakai, resulting in the death of at least three Liberians.
At the closure of the campaign, a violent clash also ensued between supporters of Weah's ruling Coalition for Democratic Change and the All Liberian Coalition Party.
The latter incident, which left scores of Liberians wounded and at least one person feared dead, instilled fear in the minds of many that the election would be marred by some form of violence.
Meanwhile, it is being reported that nearly all of NEC's ballots for Karquekpo in Sinoe County have been damaged, leaving Liberians there in limbo as to whether they will vote or not.
The paper, as reported, got damaged while being transported to Sinoe, which has for decades suffered from bad roads. The NEC is yet to speak on the issues, but the ballots, as the Daily Observer has learned, got damaged as a result of being exposed to rain.
- UP Montserrado County District #9 Candidate Threatens to Disrupt Poll
Unity Party’s Montserrado County District #9 Representative Candidate has expressed his frustration with the staff of the National Elections Commission and has issued a threat to disrupt the voting process.
After accusing the election officials of purposefully obstructing the voting process, Cllr. Miller Catakwa became enraged. Cllr. Catakwa told a group of reporters at the Calvary Baptist Church School System in Fiamah, Monrovia, that if his supporters were denied entry to the polls by 4:30 pm, he would give them orders to forcibly enter the school grounds.
"Look, my people have been waiting outside the compound for more than three hours, and if they continue to wait until 4:30 pm, we will march into the yard," Carakwa threatened.
He claims that the NEC officers' actions are highly suspicious and raise the possibility that they are acting with ulterior motives. "They want to prevent our people from exercising their constitutional rights, and this will not be tolerated. They may be attempting to close the gates by 6:00, but that will not happen. If my supporters are still outside by 4:30, I will instruct them to force their way in, and they will and must vote today," claimed the UP representative candidate.
- Winner Faces High Demands for Change from Voters
Charles Fokofo, a first-time voter at the McGuire Catholic School in Rehab, Paynesville, who is 21 years old, is excited to vote despite the scorching weather and long lines.
For him, and so many first-time voters, long queues, hot sun, and delays cannot stop them from exercising their franchise. They are voting to chose a leader that would address education, security, and drug addiction among the youth.
“I see a lot of people becoming drug addicts,” he said. Whoever wins must ensure that young people stop taking in drugs.”
“I am observing a lot of things going on in the country. I have seen my fellow youth going astray. Addicted to drugs. Sleeping in the street. I think the fault is from government. I want my fellow friends to forget about this drug habit.” he said.
Fokofo wants a leader who would tackle drugs abuse especially “Kush” to prevent young people from going astray. “Kush is killing the youth. We need somebody to stop it.”
“Among the presidential candidates whoever wins must ensure that Kush is stop, police officers are well trained and our educational sector is well funded,” he said.
Today is polls day in Monrovia. Young people who are in the majority are out to vote for president, Vice President, Legislators, and some members of the Senate.
Fokofo is among the 2.4 million registered voters, according to the National Elections Commission (NEC) eligible to participate in the 2023 presidential and general elections.
“There are so many bad things happening here we need a leader that will be able to stop them,” said Tete Geeorge. Teta, who just graduated from high school said she wants a leader that would equip public schools for less privileged students to learn well.
President George Weah, of the Coaliation for Democratic (CDC), who is seeking second term in office since elected in 2017, is competing along with 19 presidential candidates including former vice president Joseph Boakai, of the Unity Party, his main contender.
- U.S Charge d'Affaires Catherine Rodriguez Impressed with Voters Turnout
The U.S. Embassy's Chargé d'Affaires, Catherine Rodriguez, expressed her admiration for the voter turnout as Liberians go to the polls.
For the past seven hours, thousands of registered voters have been voting in the election of leaders for the next six years at various polling locations.
"Excited to see Liberians turning out to vote. Today, I had the privilege of observing the voting process at polling stations in Monrovia. Remember, the only election results that matter are the ones announced by the National Elections Commission NEC Liberia." - Chargé d'Affaires Catherine Rodriguez
- "Vote for Peace and Development in Liberia"
----Vice President Taylor admonishes voters
By Patrick S. Tokpah
Liberia Vice President Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor has admonished Liberians to vote for peace and development in the country.
She at the same time cautioned Liberians to vote for progress so that Liberia can continue on its developmental agenda.
The Liberian vice president further described the ongoing voting process as smooth.
She said she feels very happy to exercise her constitutional right in the 2023 elections.
Vice President Taylor made the statement at the Lelekpayea Public School polling center in electoral District #2, Bong County when she went to cast her vote in the County.
- Boakai Urges Supporters to Remain Peaceful
--- After casting his vote at the McGuire Catholic School in Rehab
By Tina Mehnpaine
Former Vice President Joseph Boakai of the Unity Party has urged his supporters to remain
peaceful before and after casting their votes.
He made the statement after he and his wife, Katumu Boakai, cast their votes at the McGuire Catholic School in Rehab Communty, Paynesville City.
Boakai, affectionately referred to by his supporters as the “Rescuer”, is vying for the presidency
after serving as Vice President for 12 years in the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf administration.
“Let’s remain peaceful,” he said.
- Cummings Impressive with Voter Turnout
—Urges Liberians to vote peacefully
By David A. Yates
The political leader of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), Alexander B. Cummings, expressed excitement over the huge voter turnout. Cummings, one of the 20 presidential candidates in this election, called on voters to remain peaceful in the process.
"The process is fine. It seems that the voter turnout is high, which is good. They want to participate in their democracy and make a decision. And it appears to be working," he said.
Cummings expressed the hope that Liberians will remain peaceful and patient to ensure that they elect who they want.
Speaking to reporters at the Nancy B. Doe School in Sinkor, Matadi, the CPP standard bearer added that the election will go for a second round, which he is confident of being there.
"I am very sure we will make a run. I am very confident that there will be a runoff, and we will be one of the two people in the run-off, and when that happens, we will win the run-off. So, yes! I am excited about today,"he said. I am excited for Liberia, and I know Liberia will make the right decision for the future of our country."
Cummings therefore called on Liberians to be patient, peaceful, and to be non-violent as they go through the process.
He added, "Let's vote peacefully; let's make our decision, and the National Elections Commission will respect the will of the people. We will accept the result if it reflects the will of the people."
- Streets in Monrovia Empty as Liberians Turnout to Vote
As Liberians gather in large numbers to exercise their constitutional right to choose their leaders for the next six years, many streets in Monrovia and its surroundings are deserted.
Different polling locations across the nation are packed with voters as businesses remain closed, in contrast to other elections that are marked by poor turnout.
Voters started to arrive at their various polling places as early as 5:00 a.m.
The opening of the voting process thus far has been praised by international observers like as the EU EOM, ECOWAS, and AU, who have also urged Liberians to uphold peace and stability.
- Pres. Weah's Votes in Election Seen as a Referendum on His Presidency
By Alvin Worzi
President George Weah has cast his ballot in an election that analysts are billing as a referendum on his nearly six-year tenure, marked by a mixed record of achievements.
Weah, accompanied by his wife Clar, voted shortly after 10 a.m. at Kendeja Elementary School in Paynesville, expressing confidence in his chances of winning the election.
Describing the voting process as peaceful, Weah called on Liberians to turn out in large numbers and vote for their preferred candidate. He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace during the electoral process.
"I am very pleased that the process is secure, and everyone is casting their ballots," Weah stated. "We hope that everyone votes for their choice, and whoever wins, we can live together."
"I have confidence in the Liberian people. They gave me a six-year mandate, and I have returned to ask for another six. I am here to vote and then go home so they can come and vote too," he added.
Weah, who rode to victory with high hopes in 2017, marked an historic moment as Liberia's first democratically elected leader since 1944. He pledged to address poverty, create jobs, build infrastructure, and combat corruption.
However, nearly six years later, he faces allegations of making limited progress in improving the lives of ordinary Liberians, with issues of corruption and mismanagement still prevalent.
While Weah retains popularity in some parts of the country, he faces formidable challenges from former Vice President Joseph Boakai of the Unity Party and businessman Alexander Cummings of the Collaborating Political Parties, both of whom he defeated in 2017.
Anderson Miamen, head of the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), criticized the Weah administration’s anti-corruption efforts, stating, "This government has not done well when it comes to the fight against corruption. A lot of people are angry about the fact that there have been many reported scandals."
CENTAL, a Transparency International partner in Liberia, has been monitoring corruption and exposing it. Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index ranks Liberia 142 out of 180 countries, indicating little progress in curbing corruption during Weah's presidency.
In the past year, the United States imposed sanctions on three of the President's close associates, including his chief of staff, over alleged corruption. Although the trio resigned, no charges were filed against them, despite calls for their prosecution.
Weah also faced criticism for spending nearly two months overseas last year, including a trip to Qatar to watch his American son play in the FIFA World Cup. Liberia's finance minister, Samuel Tweah, disclosed that the president was entitled to a daily allowance of $2,000 during his trip, but the total cost of Weah's 48-day tour was not disclosed.
Despite various challenges, Weah defended his administration's performance, claiming that his development record during the first six years of his presidency outshone his predecessors. He highlighted achievements in infrastructure and the introduction of tuition-free education at Liberia's public universities.
Eugene Nagbe, the President's campaign manager, stressed Weah's commitment to fighting corruption, mentioning the establishment of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission with autonomous powers to prosecute corrupt individuals.
Another major challenge facing the Weah administration is its inability to reduce poverty significantly. The Minister of Finance admitted to falling short of the government's goals outlined in the Pro-poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development. Despite promises to raise $6.2 billion in revenue, grants, and loans for investments in various sectors, poverty remains widespread in Liberia, with half of the population surviving on less than $2 per day, according to the World Bank.
Liberia has a youthful population, with more than 60% under the age of 25, but youth unemployment is a pressing issue, exacerbated by a large informal labor sector.
Inflation remains a concern, with the Central Bank of Liberia reporting a rate of 12.36% in June 2023. The United States Investment Climate Statements in 2022 estimated that four out of five Liberian workers are informally employed.
Ibrahim al-Bakri Nyei, a researcher and director at Monrovia-based Ducor Institute for Social and Economic Research, cited external and internal factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict as contributing to Liberia's economic challenges. He also pointed to security and corruption issues affecting foreign investment and job creation.
A recent survey by GeoPoll revealed widespread skepticism among the Liberian population regarding the government's ability to address the nation's challenges. Only 15.37% of respondents expressed high trust in the government, with the majority describing the state of poverty as severe.
The 2023 Afrobarometer survey found that only 20% of Liberians trusted the government to do what is right most of the time. Leadership qualities, experience, policies, tribe, and party affiliation were identified as decisive factors in the election's outcome.
Robtel Neajai Pailey, a Liberian activist and assistant professor at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), highlighted the challenges facing Liberia, including currency depreciation, high inflation, poverty, debt, income inequality, and unemployment. She called for reform in 2024 and beyond.
Lastly, the issue of drug use in Liberia remains a concern. Weah has been criticized for not doing enough to address this issue, despite signing into law one of the toughest drug laws in the country. The law upgraded drug-related offenses to non-bailable crimes, with a sentence of life imprisonment instead of a one-year jail term.
According to the United Nations Population Fund, two out of ten Liberian youths use narcotic substances. Liberia has witnessed multiple drug seizures, including a significant cocaine seizure in October 2022. Four men were arrested but later acquitted, raising questions about the handling of drug-related cases.
Despite these challenges, President Weah continues to campaign, emphasizing his role as a developer and his commitment to the country's progress.
- 11:00am: Liberians Vote as President Weah Seeks a Second Term
By Observer reporters
Millions of Liberians have begun voting in the country's fourth postwar election, this being the first without the presence of the then United Nations peace keeping mission, which provided support to the country’s elections commission.
Across the country, most of the nearly 50 polling stations visited by Daily Observer reporters show an impressive and peaceful turnout. Lines started forming outside polling centers as early as 4:00 a.m. today. These early bird voters say they anticipated the massive turnout at the polls and hoped to cast their ballots early and return home. The counties the Daily Observer is reporting from are vote-rich Montserrado, Bong, Nimba, Margibi, and the smallest voting county of Maryland.
However, at some of these polling stations, they opened far later than the 8 a.m. start time -- most often 30 minutes late -- but it did not deter large crowds of Liberians from waiting patiently to cast their votes.
“I came here at 4 a.m. to be first in line, but the process is slow and we are still waiting for direction,” Simon Sakpah, a 53-year-old voter in Ganta, Nimba County, said frustratingly.
Another voter, Justina David, accused workers of the National Elections Commission of arriving late at the polling stations to set up, which frustrated many people who had wanted to vote earlier and left.
“The process is a little bit conflicting because you have to find your names on the voter roll to know where to stand, so it's difficult for those who can read,” said Daniel David, who, like Jestina, is voting at the Small Ganta Market in Nimba County.
Also, at the nearly 50 polling stations visited by Daily Observer staff, the National Elections Commission and security personnel assigned to monitor the elections were seen struggling to organize queues, which is expected to persist for a very long time.
It is, however, unclear if this situation would lead to tension in those areas. However, the situation is expected to negatively impact the elderly citizens, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities whom NEC regulations permit to be given preferential treatment. Voters, according to the NEC regulations, have to stand in line alphabetically, something most voters, especially those who can read or write, are finding difficult to do.
Analysts say the election is a referendum on the ruling party’s stint in power so far. Twenty presidential candidates are on Tuesday's ballot, but the main contest is expected to be between President George Weah; former vice president Joseph Boakai; businessman Alexander Cummings; and former Tiawan Gongloe, a renowned human rights lawyer and professor of law who served as the country’s solicitor general during the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf administration.
However, Weah, who is seeking a second and what would be his final five-year term, is the main frontrunner in the race. His closest challenger, Boakai, is hoping that the rematch with Weah, which is the last in the two men's political careers, will lead to his election after losing massively to the President during the 2017 run-off elections.
If neither of the two frontrunners wins a majority of the vote in the first round, a run-off will be held on November 7. The election will also determine the makeup of the nearly 103-seat legislature, with 73 lawmakers expected to be elected for new six-year terms and 15 senators for nine-year terms.
Liberia, a nation of 5 million people, has vast mineral resources, but widespread corruption and mismanagement have gutted much of the country’s potential, leaving more than half of its population very poor.
Garmah Flomo, a voter in Bong County who was among the very first people to cast their votes today, said that she spent the night at the John Flomo Bakalu High School to ensure that she cast her vote as soon as possible.
“I am happy that I have voted and urge all Liberians to do so. This election is important for the future of the country, and I hope it ends peacefully. I made the right choice and hope everyone votes will do the same,” Flomo said.
“I left my house early this morning at 5:00 am just to vote early, as this election is important for the growth and development of Liberia,” added Mary George, an elderly voter in Gbarnga as well. “I am urging all Liberians to be patient even if the queue is long and there are some problems with the voting starting on time.”
In Monsterrado, the center of the country's politics, there were some frustrations among some voters when the polling places opened late behind schedule.
“I came here at 5 a.m. and was just one of the handful of people here but voted a whole 30 minutes late. It is frustrating that workers of the National Elections Commission did not prioritize starting the voting on time. Others who were not patient left, but I waited and now I have voted, which was after 9 am,” said a 45-year-old voter who gave her name only as Sampson.
While some parts of Monsterrado were experiencing hiccups, voting in Pleebo, Maryland, was moving on smoothly, starting at the 8 am required time.
Timothy Dickson, a voter in Pleebo, urged Liberians to vote “wisely, peacefully, and to effect positive” change that will shift the development of Liberia. “I am here to vote and to ensure Liberia gets better in terms of development, peace, security, agriculture, education, and all other sectors of Liberian society,” he said.
EU Election Observer Mission Chief Observer Andreas Schieder has expressed his opinion of a good opening procedure in a polling place he observed. "EU Observers in 14 counties assessed the opening of 38 polling places mainly as good"
- 10:30 a.m- ECOWAS, AU Issue Joint Statement on Ongoing Voting Process
The Election Observation Missions of ECOWAS and the African Union said they are observing and with keen interest the ongoing electoral process and the events leading to the 10 October 2023 General Elections.
The ECOWAS and AU Missions in a joint statement called on all stakeholders to preserve the peace and stability of Liberia before, during, and after the elections.
They urge political parties, candidates and their supporters to be guided by "the spirit of national unity, peace and stability, and adhere to the expressed commitments made within the framework of the Revised Farmington River Declaration.
The international observer missions also called on the security forces to remain apolitical and professional in the discharge of their duties towards all citizens, cognizant of the rights of all under the constitution of Llberia.
"The two Missions also encourage the National Elections Commission (NEC) to continue to exhibit impartiality and fairness in the execution of its mandate, in the greater Interest of all Liberians. Citizens and civil society groups are urged to sustain the initiatives aimed at promoting peaceful elections and national cohesion," the statement said.
"The ECOWAS and AU Missions will continue to avail their good offices to all stakeholders in the electoral process to ensure that the polls are conducted in a peaceful environment and in conformity with national, regional, and international standards."
- 8:41 a.m - Voting Begins Across Liberia
Edward H. Stem Reporting
Voting has commenced across the country, including Maryland County where Marylanders are eager to vote.
There are various observers, ranging from the EU, ECOWAS, LEON, journalists, and other international observers.
The polling centers are observed to be peaceful with everyone in the queued to cast their votes in the county.
All the steps that are to be observed by NEC Staff are taken in to consideration, political parties observers are also represented.
"I am here to vote and to ensure Liberia gets better in term of development, peace, security, agriculture, education and all other sectors of the Liberian society," one of the voters said.
- 6:00 a.m- Voters Troop in to Polling Places
Over two million registered voters have begun to form lines at their local polling places across the nation as they get ready to elect the country's leaders for the next six years.
In today's election, voters will also elect representatives and senators to the legislature.
Four hours prior to the commencement of voting, voters started to show up as early as 5:00 a.m.