Liberia’s Supreme Court has stayed the Nov. 7 presidential run-off election until it considers a challenge to first round results by a losing candidate who has alleged fraud.
Third-place finisher Charles Brumskine’s Liberty Party challenged the results of the October vote, which set up a Nov. 7 run-off between former soccer star George Weah and Vice President Joseph Boakai.
The election is meant to usher in Liberia’s first democratic transition since 1944 after long periods of military rule and a civil war that ended in 2003.
In a writ issued late on Tuesday, the court instructed Liberty Party and the National Elections Commission to file briefs by Thursday at the latest.
It was unclear if the court would rule before Nov. 7.
“This is a big step in the right direction,” Liberty Party Chairman Benjamin Sanvee said in a statement.
“Thankfully, the Court recognises the gravity of the issues, and has taken action in defense of the law and democracy.”
On Monday, Boakai’s ruling Unity Party announced it was backing the legal challenge.
READ MORE
Liberia’s Supreme Court halts presidential run-off
Third-place finisher Charles Brumskine’s Liberty Party challenged the results of the October vote, which set up a Nov. 7 run-off between former soccer star George Weah and Vice President Joseph Boakai.
The election is meant to usher in Liberia’s first democratic transition since 1944 after long periods of military rule and a civil war that ended in 2003.
In a writ issued late on Tuesday, the court instructed Liberty Party and the National Elections Commission to file briefs by Thursday at the latest.
It was unclear if the court would rule before Nov. 7.
“This is a big step in the right direction,” Liberty Party Chairman Benjamin Sanvee said in a statement.
“Thankfully, the Court recognises the gravity of the issues, and has taken action in defense of the law and democracy.”
On Monday, Boakai’s ruling Unity Party announced it was backing the legal challenge.
READ MORE
Liberia’s Supreme Court halts presidential run-off
0 Comments