2 Mins Read
By Joseph Tumbey
As Liberia prepares for its presidential and legislative elections in October this year, the political parties across the Country have united to pledge their commitment to peaceful, transparent, and credible elections and to resolve any disputes through legal means.
During the signing Ceremony held at the Farmington Hotel in Magibi County on Tuesday April 4, 2023. Leaders from 27 out of 31 political parties including CPP, UP, ALP, DPPL, UPP, PLP signed the Farmington River Declaration 2023, which is also an enhanced and comprehensive declaration designed to ensure a nonviolent electoral process to build on the foundation of their initial pledge signed in 2017 except for Senator Karngar Nyonblee from the Liberty Party who was not allowed to sign due to their Party Internal wrangling.
The ceremony was organized under the auspices of Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the United Nations (UN). President George Weah attended and signed as a political leader and standard-bearer. Representatives from the government, civil society groups, the diplomatic community and international organizations were also present at the high-level event.
The UN and ECOWAS signed the agreement as witnesses. On behalf of the United Nations, Ms. Giovanie Biha, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Acting Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), signed the agreement. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, signed on behalf of ECOWAS.
The Farmington Peace Pledge obliges signatories and their supporters to uphold the principles of peaceful elections and respect the rule of law. The UN, ECOWAS, and international partners continue to reiterate the importance and centrality of peaceful elections to Liberia’s stability and prosperity.
The upcoming elections in October, the fourth in the country since 2003, coincide with Liberia commemorating 20 years of peace. This pivotal moment serves to reinforce progress towards sustainable peace and democracy. The Farmington River Declaration 2023 is a strong commitment to prevent potential instances of violence, including violence against women, during the electoral process.
By signing this Declaration, the nation’s political parties have displayed their resolve to ensure peaceful elections in 2023, with the international community fully committed to supporting their efforts.