Liberia: Rep. Gray, Prince Toles Supporters in Commotion At G. W. Gibson

The G. W. Gibson High School in central Monrovia was a scene of serious uproar between supporters of Montserrado County District #8 defeated Representative Moses Acarous Gray, and supporters of the District’s Representative Elect, Prince Toles, but was later brought under control by the joint security.

Witnesses told the Daily Observer that the situation ensued immediately upon the arrival of Representative Gray at the voting center, threatening to remove those who were standing in the compound without security taking action to remove them.

The situation occurred at about 10:20 a.m. local time, while voters were trooping to cast their ballots in the presence of the joint security. Additionally, eyewitnesses said Gray also instructed his personal security to beat on a man although the Daily Observer could not obtain the name of the victim. 

The alleged victim of beating escorted out of the G.W. Gibson compound by police

However, in an interview with journalists at the scene, Rep. Gray said his decision to visit the polling center was based on a complaint from his supporters that individuals were demanding to view their voter registration cards before entering the school facility, where voting was taking place. 

According to him, only staff of the National Elections Commission (NEC) have the authority to request a voter’s card and not a group of people from anywhere. 

Gray, who claimed to be an observer, displaying tag bearing what looked like accreditation from the National Elections Commission, said no observer is even given the authority to view any voter’s card. 

Meanwhile, Gray said he has filed an official complaint against supporters of the District #8 Representative Elect to the National Elections Commission, which has the sole authority to look into the matter.

The incident, which took place barely two hours after the start of polling activities, might be considered as the first major incident in the presidential run-off election across the country. Meanwhile the joint security hurriedly arrived on the scene and put the situation under control.