President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has by Proclamation declared Tuesday, October 10, 2017, as General and Presidential Elections Day and is to be observed throughout the Republic as a National Holiday.

The Proclamation calls on all citizens and foreign residents within the borders of Liberia to respect, specifically this holiday, which marks a peaceful transition of power in Liberia.

The Presidential Proclamation further directs and orders all government offices, business houses and market places closed on that day, from six o’ clock ante meridian to six o’ clock post meridian.

According to the Proclamation, the National Elections Commission is using most school facilities around the country as polling centers, thereby causing these schools to close on the day of election.

The release also notes that the Government of Liberia is desirous of ensuring the unhindered movement of all electorates, which include workers, students, marketers, and granting voters the opportunity to exercise their political franchise throughout the country on the day of election.

The Proclamation is in consonance with Chapter VIII, Article 83a of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which provides that the holding of elections for President, Vice President and members of the House of Representatives, shall be conducted throughout the Republic on the Second Tuesday in October of each election year.