The Elections Coordinating Committee, (ECC) Initial Statement on Liberia 2011 General Elections

Press Statement

Monrovia October 11, 2011-The Elections Coordinating Committee, (ECC) has commended the level of enthusiasm and spirit that characterize the ongoing general elections in Liberia.

ECC observed that despite heavy rains on the morning of elections, turnout is encouraging and the process is orderly and peaceful.

The group noticed that polls opened on time and materials were available at polling centers visited.

The Elections observation body also commends political party representatives, local and international observers for making their presence felt at polling centers.

According to the ECC, security presence remains visible and the level of priority accorded people with special conditions such as the disable, elderly and pregnant women is commendable.

ECC intimated that the level of cooperation from all parties in the process including voters demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring that the general aspirations of citizens are  guaranteed through the outcome of the elections.

The group however notes there are few challenges that, if not addressed, could undermine the gains made so far in ensuring a credible and transparent process.

ECC observed some cases of congested polling places and dark voting rooms which could compromise the secret ballot system.

The ECC also notes that the slow pace in the conduct of the polls is hampering the processing of voters thus leading to long queues.

In some cases, the ECC said, some party agents were disallowed on grounds they did not have party identification cards and in other cases the voting rooms were too small to accommodate large number of party agents. The ECC said these situations could discourage many voters from continuing the process.

Meanwhile the ECC calls on the NEC to ensure that corrective measures are taken to address the issues of slow pace at poling centers.

The ECC on the other hand encourages voters to remain patient and remain in the queues until the end of voting.

ECC is a consortium of over thirty civil society organizations with support from the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI).

The ECC seeks to promote free, fair and credible elections in Liberia.

  

 Oscar Bloh

 Chairman-ECC