MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Poro and Sande activities have been temporarily suspended across Liberia with immediate effect, as Liberians prepare for the Presidential Run-Off.

The Chairman of the National Traditional Council of Chiefs and Elders, Zanzan Kawor, made the official pronouncement on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at a news conference in Paynesville City.

Chief Kawor said:” The suspension of traditional practices will allow free movement of members and non-members to participate in the electoral process.”

He also announced the deployment of traditional leaders in all fifteen counties, including Grand Cape Mount County, the Southeast, Lofa, and Nimba Counties, to enforce compliance.

Chief Zanzan Kawor warned of serious punitive actions against violators in accordance with traditional norms.

Meanwhile, the National Traditional Council has described as hypocritical and unacceptable, attempts by some prominent opposition figures calling on the Council to stand against the Liberian Government.

The National Chairman of the Council, Chief Zanzan Kawor, clarified that the Council’s support of the Government is consistent with the Act that created it.

According to Chief Kawor, the Act calls on the Traditional Council to serve as an advisor to the Liberian Government and complement its development agenda.

He also re-emphasized his support to the Liberian Government, as doing so is legal through the Act establishing the Council.

Chief Zanzan Kawor said:” The National Traditional Council of Chiefs and Elders has been working with past governments in a similar manner, and the Council’s critics should stop misinforming the public about its operations.”