– Cites Diplomatic Career Path
MONROVIA – Former Representative Candidate and ex-Assistant Foreign Minister Karishma P. H. Pelham-Raad has officially announced she will not contest the upcoming District #10 by-election, even as uncertainty clouds whether a vacancy actually exists.
Pelham-Raad, a former Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, confirmed her decision in a public statement addressed to residents of the district. She explained that she has fully transitioned into diplomacy and international service, a career path she does not intend to abandon.
“I have fully transitioned into the field of diplomacy and international service, which remains my chosen career path and area of commitment,” Pelham-Raad said. “At this stage, I do not intend to depart from this professional journey as a diplomat serving Liberia and representing our nation on regional and global platforms.”
The possible vacancy follows the expulsion of embattled Representative Yekeh Y. Kolubah. The House of Representatives took the rare step of removing Kolubah, but the expelled lawmaker has challenged the decision at the Supreme Court. The Court has not yet issued a ruling.
The House of Representatives expelled Montserrado County District Number 10 Representative Yekeh Y. Kolubah following a vote on Friday, April 17, 2026. The decision came after the House Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration submitted an investigative report detailing allegations of gross misconduct and violations of the lawmaker’s oath of office, including comments regarding the Liberia-Guinea border dispute in which Kolubah stated, “The land belongs to Guinea.”
The investigative report was triggered by complaints filed against Kolubah by Montserrado County District Number 3 Representative Sumo K. Mulbah and others. The complaint specifically sought Kolubah’s expulsion on allegations of misconduct in office, violation of his oath of office, and violation of the House’s Rules and Procedures. Mulbah further accused Kolubah of consistently bringing the House and the Legislature into public disrepute.
Inspector General of the Liberia National Police Gregory O. W. Coleman also raised concerns about national security, public safety, and national stability in connection with Kolubah’s statements. Despite the expulsion, Guinean soldiers remain on the Liberian side of the border. However, the National Elections Commission (NEC) has not announced a vacancy. Under normal procedure, the NEC would declare a formal vacancy if one truly exists, but no such declaration has come.
Despite the legal and procedural ambiguity, Pelham-Raad chose to clarify her position early. She urged District #10 residents to maintain peace, unity, and political tolerance throughout any upcoming democratic process. “Public service is not only about elected office; it is also about impact, service, and standing with people in meaningful ways,” she said. She pledged to continue supporting the district’s communities whenever opportunity arises.
She encouraged citizens to elect a “capable, visionary, and people-centered leader” who will genuinely serve the district’s interests and development. Pelham-Raad concluded her statement with thanks to the people of District #10 for their love, trust, and prayers, blessing the district, Montserrado County, and the Republic of Liberia.
