“We Have Won” Unity Party Claims Early Victory Ahead of NEC Official Results
By: Laymah Kollie
Monrovia -October 12,2023: Less than 48hrs after the conduct of the 2023 Presidential and Representatives Elections in the country, the Opposition Unity Party is claiming first round victory in October 10 Elections ahead of the Official Announcement of the Election Results by the National Elections Commission (NEC).
The 1986 Constitution of Liberia gives NEC the absolute power to conduct elections, announce results and declare winners.
The act of personal declaration of oneself while tallying is ongoing by NEC is a total violation of the amended 1986 elections law of Liberia.
The elections law approved in September 2014 and printed December 2014 Chapter 10 title: “ Election Offences” notes ’’that the following acts shall constitute malfeasance, punishable under this chapter a. influencing or attempting to influence the results of any elections”.
The UP Chairman, Luther Tarpeh, made the declaration Thursday, October 12, 2023, at a major press conference, assuring partisans and supporters of the Unity Party of a definite victory in the just concluded October 10, 2023 General Elections.
With an unwavering conviction and an evident passion for his party, Tarpeh confidently rallied his party members, ensuring them that their collective efforts and unwavering support will catapult the Unity Party to a resounding triumph in the first round of the elections.
His resolute address provided the much-needed reassurance to the dedicated partisans and supporters, instilling in them a renewed sense of vigor and determination as they eagerly await the official results of the highly anticipated General Elections.
“From the tallying sheets we have in our possession from the 15 counties of Liberia show that we are in the lead. As a party, we are confident that when the results is announced Joseph Boakai will be the next president. Let me assure Liberians home and abroad that when NEC announced a new day will be coming. To substantiate, we have tally sheets signed by all political parties in our possession”.
The UP Chairman also urged supporters and partisans to remain peaceful until final pronouncement is made by the National Elections Commission.
“Let’s be careful, let’s be peaceful no matter the fake results you hear from the other side”.
Also speaking, the Unity Party Campaign Chairperson, Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, admonished supporters to celebrate and bear in mind that the party has already won; stressing, that votes counted in October 10 polls were protected.
“We promise to protect your votes and we have done so, we want you to leave here knowing we have won and waiting for NEC to officially announced that. We want you celebrating that we have won” Sen. Lawrence.
However, Senator Abraham Darius Dillon of Montserrado County stated that their action of self pronouncement is not a violation of the law because NEC gave them copy of tally sheets that tells their position in the elections.
He continued that if the NEC announces results contrary to their tally, it won’t be accepted by the party.
“What we doing here today is not outside of the law. I want to display here to the media that we have about 90% of the tally sheets. We know our standing. We will not accept anything to the contrary. Our grade sheets that NEC gave us we are not accepting anything contrary to it. This election is about the people and the people have decided and we will not accept anything contrary to that” said Sen. Dillion.
Meanwhile, US Embassy near Monrovia had urged Liberians to await the official results from the National Elections Commission.
The US Embassy noted that it is aware that some political parties and candidates are claiming prior to the official results. The Embassy added that they await the official results from Liberia Elections.
