The House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Elections and Inauguration to investigate the recent conduct of the National Elections Commission (NEC).
The reason: NEC has reportedly allowed ‘early campaign activities’ to go without any stop action. Lawmakers are to also engage NEC Board of Commissioners regarding concerns over alleged premature political campaign activities taking place ahead of the legally sanctioned campaign period. The decision followed a communication submitted to plenary by Montserrado County Electoral District #3 Representative, Sumo Mulbah.
Mulbah had requested the Board be invited to clarify reports of political activities that appear to constitute campaign exercises outside the timeframe permitted by law.
In his communication, Rep. Mulbah said, the electoral laws and the 1986 Constitution established clear regulations governing the timing and conduct of political campaigns.
He further said, political parties, coalitions, alliances, and independent candidates are prohibited from engaging in campaign activities until NEC officially declares the campaign period open.
“NEC is vested with the authority to regulate campaign finance, electoral conduct, and compliance with all applicable election laws and regulations.”
Rep. Mulbah said, widespread reports and public observations suggest that some political actors may already be engaging in activities that resemble campaign exercises, raising concerns about compliance with the Elections Law and Campaign Finance Regulations.
The communication requested that the NEC clarify the Commission’s interpretation of the law regarding alleged early campaigning, the measures being undertaken to monitor and regulate such activities, compliance with campaign finance and asset disclosure requirements, and the enforcement mechanisms available to address violations.
Mulbah said, lawmakers, as custodians of democratic governance system, have a responsibility to ensure the integrity, transparency, and fairness of the electoral process.
He further argued that an engagement with the NEC would strengthen public confidence in electoral institutions and reaffirm the Legislature’s commitment to uphold the rule of law.
Following deliberations, plenary agreed to refer the matter to its Committee on Elections and Inauguration, which has been tasked to engage the NEC Board of Commissioners and report its findings and recommendations to the full House within two weeks.
