Senator Taylor Calls For Chieftaincy Elections

Bong County Senator Jewel Taylor has called for the approval of plenary to instruct the committees with the relevant oversight to begin discussions with the National Election Commission (NEC) and the Traditional Council to prepare for the holding of Chieftaincy Elections in 2017. She said when this is done it will elevate the sense of worth and ownership of their government among Liberians, noting that this will also make the country a truly democratic nation.

Senator Taylor’s call was contained in a communication addressed to the President Pro-Tempore Armah Z.Jallah which was read in plenary Thursday. She pointed out that the issue of chieftaincy election remains critical to the demonstration of the Senate’s commitment to building and nurturing a democratic process and practice.

“I hold the inclination that the foundation for sustainable and good governance is citizens’ legitimate and effective participation realized through the democratic process,’’ she said.

The Bong County lawmaker noted that chieftaincy elections, which are provided for in Article 56b of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, should form a part of General and Presidential Elections, but have not taken place for nearly 30 years.