Proceedings so far since the polls opened at
8am have been generally calm and peaceful. Liberia’s Elections
Coordinating Committee (ECC) in a statement issued during the voting
process assured all voters the queue at 6pm when polls close would be
allowed to vote.
After receiving reports from 470 out of its 498
rapid response observers deployed, the ECC reported that all sensitive
materials (including the ballots, ballot stamp, indelible ink, the Final
Registration Roll (FRR), and the Record of the Count Forms) were
available at 98% of polling places at the time of opening (8am).
Some polling stations were however inaccessible to
the physically challenged or the elderly as observers had to climb
stairs to reach there. There were security personnel stationed at most
polling stations to help remedy such situations.
As at 8:30am most polling stations had opened
however a few opened later at 10am which could translate to the long
queues seen at polling stations now.
Generally, reports indicate that the opening
process has been peaceful, orderly, and proceeded smoothly across the
country. However, there were a few reported isolated issues of concern
at certain polling places. These included tensions at polling places
where opening was delayed or where a large of number voters are queued,
as well as instance where observers were not permitted to observe at the
polling place.
The statement further reports of instances in some
polling places where voters with valid voters’ cards could not find
their names on the voters’ lists.
The ECC urged all Liberians to remain calm and
patient as voting continues till 6pm and encouraged political party
agents to continue monitoring the process through closing and counting.
AEP will continue to bring you updates on the closing and counting process.
AEP
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