The National Elections Commission (NEC) on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, officially and formally launched the Civic and Voter Education (CVE) campaign for the October 10 General Elections.
The voter education campaign was launched under the theme: “Citizens participation A Must”. at the Commission’s headquarters in Sinkor, Monrovia.
At the occasion, Madam Davidetta Brown Lansanah, in her capacity as head of the Commission, declared the Voter Education (CVE) campaign launched, with an aim of educating voters about their participation in the October 10, 2023 general elections.
“Without much I do, I now declare the CVE launch today, here and in all 15 counties across the country,” she declared.
According to her, 400 CSO have been accredited by the Commission to assist the commission to carryout voter education across the country.
In addition, about 81 community based CBE are expected to similarly conduct the voter education process in all 15 counties.
With this, she’s hoping that these efforts will yield the needed fruits, and deliver a massive and encouraging turnout comes October 10, 2023.
Earlier, in the overview of the CVE; Cllr. Ernestine Morgan- Awar alluded that Communication is keen in electoral processes, and it starts with educating and informing the voters about the process.
According to her, the campaign endeavors to take the elections to the people, and generally having them involved throughout.
Like they have exhibited over the last few months, she believes voters must be informed as to how they exercise their political franchise.
“Today we are her to ensure that we launch the process, to ensure that the election is taken to the people to ensure a leading process,” she stated.
Furthermore, she emphasized that the process is enraged with a motive to afford all Liberians, regardless of their physical condition, or political affiliation, the needed education regarding their involvement in the pending elections.
According to a NEC, the campaign which is aimed at enhancing the political participation of all eligible voters will also be launched simultaneously in the other 14 counties.
The Commission has further provided that the aim of the CVE launch is to mobilize all citizens who have attained the age of 18 years and above to participate in the ensuing elections.
To further buttress the sensitization drive of mass community participation in the electoral process, NEC hired Community-Based Organizations (CBO) to serve as CVE cells in the 73 electoral districts to support outreach activities.
At the same time, ECOWAS Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah, emphasized the need for the campaigners to ensure that their inter personal skills are up to its game, and consider that they are doing a patriotic duty to LIberia.
Considering the fact that they are voters and they accordingly have their sides, she wants them be honest to the process.
According to her, Civics education is a difficult journey, as such, she wants the campaign to ensure that they are well equipped, to provide the needed information.
Meanwhile, she has huge confidence in the team, and is confident that they can deliver the best to the voters.
Additionally, she said political parties are expected to provide civics education, especially ahead of a crucial elections. She termed the day of the launch of the CVE campaign as a successful one, but called for more efforts.
She also expressed excitement over the commitment of aspirants so far.
From his end, Louis Kuukpen, Deputy Resident Representative/Programme, alluded that they are committed to supporting LIberia in its election processes.
In his opinion, it helps in deepening citizens’ understanding and a commitment of the Commission to ensuring a transparent process.
He hailed NEC for her commitment to the process so far, but encouraged the Commission to straighten its communication arm, but hailed recent efforts in the department.
In furtherance, he wants aspirants exhibit tolerance during these processes, and uphold to the Farmington declaration. He condemned acts of hate speeches, and personal attacks on other candidates.
He frowned at the failure of political parties to adhere to the 30%gender quota, and urged them to ensure the protection of female throughout the process, and call for a violent free election comes October 10, 2023.
At the event, CBEs hailed the initiative, and maintained that their cardinal goal is firstly to ensure a peaceful elections, minimize invalid votes, amongst others.
“We will never fail you, together we will fight to achieve our votes,” they assured. The CBEs have committed themselves to the process, in ensuring a smooth conduct of the process.
Also, NEC task-force praised the launch, thanked the Commission’s partners, and guaranteed their commitment to the goal of the process.
Before the official kick-off of the indoor program, a parade was held in the principal streets of Monrovia.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Chairperson and members of the Board of Commissioners of the NEC led the parade, as part of the process. Also, employees and temporary staff of NEC, as well as local and international partners, attended the traditional outdoor and indoor ceremonies.
Other outdoor activities preceding the official launch kicked off Monday, August 1 with football and kickball matches between NEC and members of the CVE Cells at the Invincible Sports Park in Sinkor.
