MONROVIA: Despite the general appreciable level the elections took place throughout yesterday, there were some challenges reported at some places in the country which obstructed the process as the National Elections Commission (NEC) announced that due to heavy downpour of rain in Sinoe and Rivercess Counties, electoral materials could not reach their various destinations, causing delay in the process but assured that the time will be extended in the areas to allow them to vote.
Speaking during the maiden briefing of the commission since the electoral process, Chairperson of NEC Madam Davidetta Brown-Lassanah said while voting was progressing well generally across the country, there were a couple of noteworthy challenges, especially in the South Eastern counties of Sinoe and Rivercess.
“Due to the heavy downpour of rain for the past five days, the Planson River in Sinoe County, which is located on the outskirt of Greenville overflowed its banks and crossed the main road leading to most of the centers in District two of Sinoe County. All efforts by the NEC staff to cross the river from both sides have proven futile so far. This has affected the conduct of polls in at least 11 precincts in District two, Sinoe County”, she said.
She lamented that all efforts by the NEC staff to cross the river from both sides proved futile which has affected the conduct of polls in at least 11 precincts in District two, Sinoe County. She also said the truck carrying election materials to District one in Sinoe County got stuck in the mud in the Butaw area due to heavy rain and bad road.
She said as a measure to arrest the situation, the Election Magistrate of Sinoe County arranged a fleet of motorcycles to convey the materials on Monday night, the 9th of October, but were also challenged due to bad road leading to late start of polls in that area. The NEC boss said due to the situation, the Commission will extend the voting time in those areas.
As regards the situation in Rivercess, Madam Brown Lassanah said the Timbo River overflowed its banks and the NEC vehicles with election materials were unable to cross at the time. She said when the water receded, the vehicles carrying election materials arrived late at their destinations, leading to the late start of the polls in those areas. “Some of the precincts in River Cess District one, Morweh, opened as late as 11:00 am. Voting is continuing in the district”, she said.
“As we approach the closing of polls and begin the counting of votes, I urge all Liberians to remain peaceful and wait for the results because the NEC is committed to ensuring that their votes count just as you cast them”, she said.
Concluding her statement, said extended thanks to the Liberian period on behalf of NEC for turning out to exercise their civil responsibilities as well as the over 30,000 polling staff and the Commission’s technical staff for their sacrifices.
“The Commission also appreciate the national security apparatus for helping to create the enabling environment for the conduct of the polls. As we approach the close of the polls, the Commission is assured by the Ministry of Justice that the gaps in the deployment of security has claimed their attention and will respond immediately. Many thanks also to all stakeholders for your support”, she said.
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