BY MARK S. DAHN Email markdahn14@gmail.com
GANTA, NIMBA COUNTY- In preparation for the conduct of the much publicized and anticipated by-elections in Nimba County District#1, the National Elections Commission has begun the process of replacing lost and damaged voter Identification Cards in Ganta.
The replacement of lost or damaged voter Cards kicked off on Monday, 4 October and will end on Friday, October 8 at the John Wesley Pearson High School.
Mr. Albert F. Smith, Upper Lofa Elections Magistrate, and head of those sent by NEC to assist their Upper Nimba counterpart said the replacement process is only focusing on those who registered in district#1 where the by-elections is expected to be held comes November 16.
Therefore, Mr Smith is asking those who registered outside the district to keep away from the exercise in order to avoid future embarrassment.
He said the two categories of replacement ongoing, are those who’s Identification Cards have lost along with others with damaged or un-readable cards.
Mr Smith used the occasion to encourage voters with either of those problems on their card to turnout and take advantage of the opportunity; adding that after the October 8 deadline, there would be no reconsideration.
In a bid to encourage citizens’ participation, Magistrate Smith said they have dispatched Civic educators and gender mobilizers across the district to create awareness on the process.
He is at the same time warning those coming to the process with criminal motive to stay away because doing so will be detrimental to their own security.
Prior to Mr. Smith’s interaction with this station, he disclosed that they have already tracked an individual identified as Thomas Monson for exhibiting some criminal behavior at the replacement center and will be later turned over to the Ministry of Justice through the Liberia National Police in Ganta for further prosecution to serve as deterrence for would be violators.
He wants all registrants come to the exercise void of fraud in order to have a peaceful elections in the district.
On another hand, Mr. Smith has disclosed that they will also be using the same center for recruitment of poll workers for the upcoming by-elections, promising to uphold every procedure to its core.
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