MONROVIA, LIBERIA-President George Weah has, by proclamation, declared Tuesday, December 8, as “Elections Day”, to be observed as Public Holiday throughout Liberia, with straight adherence to the prescribed COVID-19 Health Protocols.

The Proclamation calls on all citizens and foreign residents within the borders of Liberia, to respect specifically, the Public Holiday, as such and hereby direct that all Government offices, business houses, private and public institutions of learning and market places be closed on that day from six o’clock Ante Meridian.

According to a Foreign Ministry release issued over the weekend, the Government is desirous of ensuring the unhindered movement of all eligible voters, granting unto them the right to exercise their political franchise throughout the Country on the day of elections.

The Proclamation says the National Elections Commission (NEC) has scheduled the holding of the three categories of elections: the National Referendum, the Senatorial Election throughout the Country and the two By-elections on December 8.

According to the Proclamation, Joint Resolution #003/2020 adopted by the Liberian Senate and House of Representatives of the 54^th National Legislature of the Republic of Liberia, authorizing the postponement of the October 13, 2020, Senatorial Elections and the National Referendum to December 8, 2020, approved on June 26, 2020, and published into handbills by the Authority of the Foreign Ministry on June 30, 2020.

It can be recalled the Joint Resolution 002/2019 adopted on September 30, 2019, by the Liberian Senate and the House of Representatives of the 54^th National Legislature of the Republic of Liberia, proposing a Constitutional Referendum to amend Articles 28, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50 and 83 (a) and (c) of the 1986 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, which was approved by the President of the Republic of Liberia on October 19, 2019, and further published into handbills by Authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 4,2019.

The President is at the same time calling on all political parties and their leaders to encourage their respective partisans and supporters, to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during this election period.

President Weah further said the peace and stability of the Country is paramount to the sustenance of its democracy.

He said there is no need for violence at this time, as the Country heads to a crucial election period, which will solidify Liberia’s democratic credentials.

Meanwhile, President Weah warned that Government will not hesitate in bringing to book any individuals engaging in acts of violence during and after the upcoming elections.