Published: July 30, 2024
Monrovia – The Monrovia City Court has ordered its ministerial officer to ensure the appearance of National Elections Commission (NEC) Chairperson Davidetta Browne-Lansanah. This order comes after allegations that she failed to comply with a lawful request from the Office of the Ombudsman.
According to a communication obtained by The Liberian Investigator, the NEC reportedly ignored a request from the Ombudsman to provide a current listing of all officials of registered political parties in Liberia. This information, according to the Office of the Ombudsman, is essential for the effective performance of its duties.
Chairperson of the Ombudsman, Cllr. Findley Karnga, initially made the request on July 11, 2024. He requested a comprehensive list of all officials of registered political parties. According to him, despite a follow-up call and an email sent on July 19, 2024, the NEC allegedly withheld the requested information.
In response to the NEC’s non-compliance, Cllr. Karnga filed a formal complaint with the Monrovia Magisterial Court. The complaint details the NEC’s refusal to provide the necessary information and cites Section 12.3(c) of the Code of Conduct 2014 (as amended), which empowers the Ombudsman to seek assistance from the courts when necessary information is withheld.
As a result of the complaint, the Monrovia Magisterial Court issued a writ of Subpoena Duces Tecum, compelling NEC Chairperson Browne-Lansanah to appear before the court. She is required to present the comprehensive list of all current officials of registered political parties on August 5, 2024, at 10 AM. The court’s directive also includes a fine of US$100, which must be paid to the Central Revenue Account of the Government of Liberia at the Central Bank of Liberia.
The Ombudsman is an autonomous body tasked with enforcing, overseeing, monitoring, and evaluating adherence to the Code of Conduct. The Office of the Ombudsman is responsible for receiving and investigating all complaints related to adherence to the Code of Conduct. When a violation is determined, the Ombudsman will submit findings of guilt involving private and public officials and government employees to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) or other relevant government agencies. Additionally, the Office of the Ombudsman will collaborate with the three branches of government and civil society organizations to develop regulations for the Code of Conduct.
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