MONROVIA, January 5 (LINA) - The National Election Commission (NEC) Chairman Jerome Kokoyah has lauded President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for respecting and protecting the independence of the Commission.
“You promised just that when you appointed me along with other Commissioners and I am pleased that you kept your word,” Chairman Kokoyah said.
According to an Executive Mansion release, Kokoyah made the statement during a visit aimed at briefing the Liberian President on the outcome of the 2014 mid-term Senatorial Election and to formally present to her the results.
The meeting took place in the office of President Sirleaf at the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, December 30, the release said.
He also commended the Ministries of Finance and Development Planning, Health, Justice and the various security apparatus for their roles played in the conduct of a free, fair, transparent, safe, peaceful, credible and successful election.
Responding, President Sirleaf thanked the NEC for efficiently and effectively managing the mid-term Senatorial Election process.
The Liberian leader expressed concern about the low voter turnout and stressed that government was still trying to find out what was responsible.
She said it was important for the NEC to do a critical reflection on the process and find out what could be done much better next time, especially as the country moves toward the general and presidential elections in 2017.
“My government remains committed to giving the NEC its independence and to completely avoid interference in any form and kind. I am also glad that the NEC could basically conduct the 2014 mid-term Senatorial Elections on its own without the usual deeply involved international partners,” she observed.
LINA