In only a matter of weeks, Liberia’s National Elections Commission will commence unveiling the list of candidates certified to contest the upcoming presidential and legislative elections. “The bottom line is if you do not have Ombudsman in place, everyone will be allowed to run because the Senate is dragging its feet on the confirmation process of those appointed by the President” – A source, speaking on condition of anonymity. But one small nagging issue continues to complicate and already complicated election process: The controversial Code of Conduct and the fate of the Ombudsman Committee expected to decide the fate of many political figures affected by the ruling.
In March, the high court ruled that the Code of Conduct, signed into law by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in 2014, is legal and binding on the republic for all its intents and purposes.
The Act, which was submitted by the Executive to the National Legislature in 2009, states that all officials appointed by the President shall not engage in political activities, canvass or contest for elected offices, use government facilities, equipment or resources in support of partisan or political activities, among others.
Full Article: Liberia Likely to Experience Delay in 2017 Presidential Elections – allAfrica.com.
