UP Enters Lofa By-election-Supreme Court Terms CPP Provision “Unconstitutional”

MONROVIA – In the wake of the Supreme Court’s rejection last Friday of Section 8.5.2 of the CPP framework document as unconstitutional, therefore declaring that “UP and ALP are free to leave the CPP and field candidates in their own names,” former Vice President and Unity Party Standard Bearer Joseph Nyumah Boakai says the SC decision is not only a victory for the people of Lofa County, but a momentous victory for the people of Liberia, signifying renewal of hope that Liberia is on its way to experiencing selfless, quality leadership; a leadership that the Liberian people can trust.

According to the Supreme Court’s final determination into the complaint filed against the UP and the ALP, by the ANC and Mr. Musa Hassan Bility’s Liberty Party faction, the CPP provision which was used to block the Unity Party from fielding a candidate in the Lofa by-election in its own name is unconstitutional and of no legal effect. “UP and ALP are free to leave the CPP and field candidates in their own names,” the SC ruling stated.

Reacting immediately after the SC ruling, Unity Party Standard Bearer Joseph Nyumah Boakai called the ruling a momentous victory for Lofa County and Liberia.

“Today, the Supreme Court of Liberia has ruled that the Unity Party can field a Candidate in the Lofa County Senatorial by-election. This is not only a victory for the people of Lofa County, but a momentous victory for the people of Liberia, and signifies renewed hope that Liberia is on its way to experiencing selfless, quality leadership; a leadership that you can trust!

“As Standard Bearer of the ever-potent Unity Party, I congratulate the legal team headed by former Chief Justice Cllr. Gloria Musu Scott, Chairman Amin Modad and the leadership of the Party, partisans and supporters of the UP, the All Liberian Party of my good friend Benoni Urey, and Liberty Party of our distinguished Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence for this remarkable success. This victory is the beginning of what will happen in 2023!

 “In the coming days, you will begin to see a mass movement of Liberians, both at home and abroad, subscribing to this vessel of honor, with a strong determination to restore Liberia’s lost image. Get ready, Liberia will rise again! Let’s celebrate this victory! I am upbeat! Let’s now go and win Lofa!” the Unity Party Standard Bearer remarked effusively.

Pundits see the Supreme Court decision to rule out Section 8.5 (2) of the CPP framework document as a step in the right direction in strengthening multiparty democracy in the country, because the court’s decision is in line with the 1986 Constitution of Liberia which gives citizens the right to associate and disassociate at will.

According to Section 8.5 (2) of the CPP framework document: “Constituent Party desiring to withdraw from the CPP shall first exhaust the dispute resolution mechanism stipulated in the framework document. If the Constituent Party which has satisfied the dispute resolution mechanism is not satisfied with the outcome, it shall file a resolution to withdraw from the CPP signed and duly executed by two-thirds (2/3) of the membership of the National Executive Committee. It is being understood, however, that a party withdrawing from the alliance prior to the next presidential, legislative and local elections shall not field candidates in its name”.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Liberty Party, Martin Kollah, has lauded the Supreme Court decision.

“The law is the law! Congratulations to UP/ALP. Respecting the law is our way of life, and shall be with everyone at all times,” Mr. Kollah posted last Friday on his social media platform.

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