The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency George Manneh Weah has by Proclamation declared Monday, July 29, 2019, as By-Election Day, and is to be observed as a Public Holiday affecting Montserrado. 

 

 

The Proclamation is in consonance with Article 37 of the Liberian Constitution which provides that, in the event of a vacancy in the legislature caused by death, resignation, expulsion or otherwise, the presiding officer shall within 30 days notify the Elections Commission thereof. The Elections Commission Shall not later than 90 days thereafter cause a by-election to be held; provided that such vacancy occurs within 90 days prior to the holding of the general elections, the filling of the vacancy shall await the holding of such general election.   

 

 

According to the Proclamation, the Senate of the 54th Legislature on April 8,2019 through the Secretary of the Senate informed the National Elections Commission of the vacancy created as a result of the death of the Honorable Geraldine Doe Sheriff, Senator of Montserrado County in compliance with Chapter V Article 37 of the constitution of the Republic of Liberia.

 

 

The Proclamation also noted that, the Honorable House of Representatives of the 54th Legislature on Monday April 29, 2019 through the Chief Clerk informed the National Elections Commission of a vacancy in the House of Representative, as a result of the demise of Honorable Adolph A. Lawrence, Representative of District #15 in compliance with Chapter V Article 37 of the constitution of the Republic of Liberia.

 

 

According to a Foreign Ministry release , the demise of the two Legislators have left vacant seats in Montserrado and District 15 Montserrado County respectively  which constitutionally require By-Election to be held with three (3) months as provided for in Article 37 of the Liberian Constitution, the Proclamation added.

 

 

The Proclamation calls on citizens and foreign residents within Montserrado County and District #15 Montserrado County as well to respect, specifically, this Holiday, as such.

 

 

The Proclamation further directs and orders that all government offices, business houses, school facilities and market places in the election affected areas be closed on that Day so as to allow residents exercise their democratic franchise from six O’clock ante meridian to six O’clock Post meridian.

 

 

The Proclamation says in order to ensure greater participation of the voters as well as the smooth conduct of the By-Election, affecting Montserrado County District #15, the National Elections Commission (NEC), has scheduled Monday, July 29, 2019 as the date for the combined Montserrado county Senatorial and District #15 By-elections.

 

 

The released added that the Government of Liberia is desirous of ensuring an unhindered movement of eligible voters, granting unto them the opportunity to exercise their political franchise in Montserrado County and District # 15 Montserrado County respectively during the By-Elections.