NATIONAL ELECTIONS COMMISSION
STATEMENT OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NEC
Thursday, February 12, 2009
12:00 Mid-Day
ON THE OCCASION OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE FEBRUARY 10, 2009 RIVER GEE SENATORIAL BY-ELECTION
The National Elections Commission was notified on December 5, 2008 of a vacant seat in the Liberian Senate for River Gee following the death of Senator Isaac N. Johnson. The Commission accordingly proceeded with preparing for the By-election in collaboration with some of its key partners.The By-election was contested by seven (7) candidates and went on peacefully on Tuesday, February 10, 2009. The National Elections Commission wishes to congratulate the candidates that participated in the By-elections for conducting themselves maturely and peacefully.
The Commission in similar measure expresses gratitude to the registered voters of River Gee County for turning out in a peaceful and orderly manner to cast their ballots. By turning out to vote once again for a senator to represent them in the Upper House of the Liberian Legislature, they have all demonstrated their commitment to building a vibrant democracy in Liberia.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF FINAL RESULTS
Ladies and Gentlemen, the final results of the February 10, 2009 Senatorial By-election in River Gee County as certified by the Board of Commissioners of the National Elections Commission are as follow:
County: RIVER GEE Senatorial: Polling Places Reported: 58 of 58
Candidates |
|
Votes Obtained |
Percent of Valid Votes |
Darbeh, Hixenbaugh Kear (LAP) |
|
650 |
10.1% |
Gibson, Jr. Edmund B. (NPP) |
|
295 |
4.6% |
Johnson, Patrick T. Dexter (CDC) |
|
367 |
5.7% |
Kear, Jr., P. Tarpowah Dortu (APD) |
|
183 |
2.8% |
Sogbie, Jonathan Boy Charles (IND) |
|
1,348 |
20.9% |
Wesseh, Conmany B. (UP) |
|
1,528 |
23.7% |
Williams J. Nathaniel (LDP) |
|
2,079 |
32.2% |
|
Total Valid Votes |
6,450 |
100% |
Total Invalid Votes: |
379 |
|
Total Votes: |
6,829 |
Recorded voter turn out for polling places reported is 6,829 or 31%.
Invalid votes account for 379 or 5.5%.
RUN-OFF
Considering the final results, it is clear that non of the seven (7) candidates received an absolute majority (50% plus1 vote) of the valid votes cast in the February10, 2009 By-election as prescribed by article 83 (b) of the Liberian Constitution. Therefore, none of the candidates is qualified to be declared winner. Consequently, a Run-off election will be held on February 24, 2009, the second Tuesday following the first round.
As Chairman of the National Elections Commission, I hereby announce that the Run-off Election, as required by the Liberian Constitution, will be contested by the two candidates who obtained the highest number of votes in the February 10, 2009 By-election namely: J. Nathanial Williams of the Liberia Destiny Party (LDP) who obtained 2,079 of the valid votes cast or 32.2% and Conmany B. Wesseh of the Unity Part (UP) who obtained 1,528 of the valid votes cast or 23.7%.
The Commission further announces that the campaign period for the Run-Off begins on------------- and ends at midnight February-------, 24 hours before the By-election Run-off.
WORDS OF GRATITUDE
On behalf of the NEC Board of Commissioners, T wan to register our profound thanks and appreciation to the Government of Liberia, all of our international partners (UNMIL,UNDP, USAID, IFES, and NDI) and the media for their contributions to the process. Local organizations and observers are also applauded for following through on the process. Avery special word of heartfelt thanks goes out to our technicians at the NEC, including the River Gee County Elections Magistrate’s office and poll workers for their diligent work and countless sacrifices during the process.
MOTIVATIONAL REMARKS
As we prepare for the Run-off election on February 24, 2009, the National Elections Commission encourages the 22, 000 voters of River Gee to fully participate.
NEC wishes to remind you that River Gee too needs to be heard in the Liberian Senate. Please turn out in large numbers on February 24 to vote between the two candidates that are contesting the Run-off Election. Whether the candidate you voted for in the first round is no longer in the race, you still have a right to be a part of the decision of voting for the person that will be your Senator.
Just as it was on February 10, the polls will open in the morning and will close at 6:00 in the evening. Voters must bring along their voter registration cards, because without a valid voter registration card, you cannot vote.
The National Elections Commission urges the candidates to campaign peacefully and to reach voters to motivate them to turn out and vote on February 24, 2009.
Every single vote is important in this By-election Run-off. Please make good use of this opportunity you have to elect a new Senator for your county.
Thank You
