The Chairman Of Rule Of Law Caucus Releases Press Statement

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In a troubling turn of events, the President of the Republic of Liberia has unilaterally removed and suspended the Chairperson of the National Election Commission (NEC). This decision raises profound concerns for those of us committed to the principles of democracy, constitutional governance, and the rule of law. As members of the Rule of Law Caucus in the Honorable House of Representatives, we find this action deeply alarming, as it undermines the foundation of our democracy and threatens to erode the progress our nation has fought so hard to achieve. The National Election Commission was established as a tenured institution under the Constitution precisely to safeguard it from political interference. The Supreme Court of Liberia has ruled unequivocally that the suspension of tenured officers is tantamount to their removal. Such removals are constitutionally permissible only through the impeachment process, which involves the National Legislature. By bypassing this process, the President has overstepped the boundaries of his authority, contravening the separation of powers and undermining constitutional protections.

The decision to remove the Chairperson of the NEC—an individual who presided over a hotly contested election and upheld its results—sends a chilling message about the state of our democracy. The Chairperson’s removal undermines public confidence in our electoral system, a cornerstone of democracy. Without trust in free and fair elections, the very legitimacy of our government is called into question.  This action is not just about one individual—it is about the future of governance in Liberia. It sets a dangerous precedent where the independence of institutions mandated to ensure fairness and transparency is compromised at the whims of the Executive. Such actions threaten the democratic fabric of our nation and place us on an unsteady path toward authoritarianism. We urge the President to rescind this decision immediately and allow constitutional processes to prevail. Removing or suspending the NEC Chairperson without the proper constitutional channels is a grave misstep that risks plunging the country into uncharted territory. Once the people lose faith in the electoral process, the very essence of democracy is at stake. Liberians have worked tirelessly to build and sustain this democracy, overcoming years of conflict and political instability. To see these hard-fought gains jeopardized is unacceptable. We must remember that democracy is fragile; it requires constant vigilance and adherence to the rule of law. To our fellow Liberians, let this moment serve as a wake-up call. A democracy thrives only when its institutions are strong, independent, and respected. When those institutions are undermined, we all stand to lose. We must not allow any individual, no matter their office, to dismantle the foundations of our governance. Let us unite in defense of the Constitution, the rule of law, and the democratic values we hold dear. This is not just a matter of governance—it is a matter of national survival. If we allow this dangerous action to stand, we risk eroding the trust and stability that have been the bedrock of our democratic progress. This must stop. For the sake of our democracy, for the sake of Liberia, the President must adhere to the Constitution and the rule of law.

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