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Reading: Former Liberian Minister Urges ECOWAS Courts for Peaceful Elections
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Africa

Former Liberian Minister Urges ECOWAS Courts for Peaceful Elections

Benedict Sannoh, the former Justice Minister of the Republic of Liberia, has emphasised the crucial role of the Supreme Courts of the Econom...

Chima Joseph Ugo
Chima Joseph Ugo - Editor-in-chief July 27, 2023
Updated July 27, 2023 at 5:34 PM
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Former Liberian Minister Urges ECOWAS Courts for Peaceful Elections
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Former Liberian Minister Urges ECOWAS Courts for Peaceful Elections
Benedict Sannoh, the former Justice Minister of the Republic of Liberia, has emphasised the crucial role of the Supreme Courts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in preventing post-election crises by upholding the mandate of citizens. He delivered this call during a paper presentation at the Delocalised meeting of some ECOWAS Parliament's Joint Committees in Monrovia, Liberia. The paper titled "Role of Judiciary in the Prevention and Management of Electoral Crisis" highlighted the significance of how the judiciary handles elections as the foundation for peace or crises.

Sannoh stressed the need for an independent judiciary and emphasised that political parties must actively and proactively engage with the judiciary. He stated, "The judiciary through the supreme court should ensure that the constitution mandate is upheld. The role of the supreme court in the adjudication of these cases should be to ensure that the opinions enhance, promote, and entrench the respect and protection of the will of the people as expressed by their votes in the elections conducted consistent with the constitution."

He further emphasised that the Supreme Courts must ensure adherence to fundamental rights as articulated in the constitution, ensuring no one is deprived of liberty, poverty, privilege, or any other right, except as an outcome of a hearing consistent with the provisions of the constitution and in accordance with due process of law.

Sannoh called for political parties to actively engage with the judiciary and monitor every statutory and administrative action taken by the elections commission, the legislature, or institutions within the executive branch. He encouraged collaboration in raising issues that require judicial determination, such as referendums and cleaning of the voters' roll.

Responding to interventions from Members of Parliament, Sannoh highlighted the importance of properly implementing the constitution of Member States. He emphasised that the Constitution reflects the will and expectations of citizens and must address all their concerns through its provisions.

Some Members of Parliament from ECOWAS countries raised concerns about executive control of the judiciary and recommended that judges should be voted for by citizens instead of being appointed by the executive. Hon. Ladi Ayamba, a Member of Parliament from Ghana, expressed concern that some courts in West Africa have been influenced by the executive, leading to a denial of justice in many cases.

The Delocalised meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament's Joint Committees on Political Affairs, Peace, Security, and the African Peer Review Mechanism, Judicial Affairs and Human Rights, Social Affairs, Gender, and Women Empowerment is set to take place in Monrovia, Liberia, from July 25 to July 29.

Tags: Africa

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