Be Free And Safe To Participate in these elections” -Pres. Weah Assures Voters of Maximum Protection

As Liberians go to the polls today, President George Manneh Weah says voters should be free and safe to participate in these elections, noting that as leader of the country he is duty-bound to ensure that all persons exercise their democratic rights to vote freely, fairly and peacefully.

Making the disclosure Monday on the eve of today’s midterm elections and referendum vote during a special broadcast, President Weah said he has already instructed the national security to take all necessary measures so that each voter is protect is protected.

“We should all be free and safe to participate in these elections. It is my constitutional duty as leader of the country to ensure that all persons can exercise their democratic rights to vote freely, fairly and peacefully. It is the responsibility that I take very seriously. I have therefore instructed the national security to take all necessary measures so that each and every voter is protected during voting,” President Weah said.

Enjoining Liberians about the importance of Tuesday’s polls, President Weah said as the voters prepare to go to polls to today to exercise their  democratic rights to elect 15 senators and two representatives of their choice, they should be reminded that these midterm elections are another historic chapter in the quest to consolidate peace, security and democracy in Liberia.

“This is why I am profoundly sad and disappointed of the recent incidents of violence especially the situation which occurred in Grand Cape Mount County where properties were destroyed and injuries sustained,” the Liberian Leader lamented.

“I urge all political leaders to also use their platforms and influence to admonish supporters to refrain from provocation which leads to violence at the polls. Liberia is the only country we have. We must not destroy our country for the sake of promoting our political interests. Let us use the ballots, and not violence, to chose our leaders,” President Weah enjoined his compatriots, warning that Liberia is no place for violence.

President Weah’s proclamation comes in the wake of the Saturday, December 5 violence that erupted in Dambala Town, Porkpa District, Grand Cape Mount County between supporters of incumbent senator Victor Watson of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) senatorial candidate Simeon Taylor, which saw vehicles of Mr. Taylor set ablaze and the house of Representative Bob Sheriff burned down, President George Manneh Weah says the police has already arrested several individuals in connection with the Cape Mount violence.

“I once again condemn these acts of violence. Already, the police have arrested several individuals in connection with the Cape Mount violence. Let me assure you that all those responsible will be fully prosecuted under the laws. There is no place for violence in Liberia,” President Weah started emphatically.