NEC Burns 2011 Ballot Papers

The National Elections Commission (NEC) yesterday burnt thousands of ballot papers that were used in the conduct of the 2011 presidential and legislative elections to climax the process of electioneering for 2011.

According to NEC authorities, ballot papers destroyed simultaneously in the 19 NEC’s magisterial districts across the country included 2,798,750 referendum ballots, 2,600,000 presidential ballots, 2,600,000 Presidential run-off ballots 2,575,500 for the House of Representative and 2,574,250 for the House of Senate.

The processes which officially kick-off Tuesday at the Lower Montserrado County Magisterial district of NEC based in Brewerville, outside Monrovia, was attended by stakeholders, including local authorities, representatives of political parties.

Speaking at a brief ceremony in Brewerville prior to the symbolic burning of the ballots, the head of NEC Cllr. Elizabeth B. Nelson said the destruction of the ballot papers is a requirement of Chapter 4, section 4, 1.6 of the new election law of Liberia.

According to her, the 2011 elections has come and gone, noting that from all indications their validity is legitimized by the will of the people and therefore cannot be disputed.

She indicated that in fulfillment of the law and in the performance of NEC’s statutory duties, the destruction of the ballots marked the end of the 2011 general and Presidential elections.

She lauded partners, including the EU, UNMIL, UNDP, USAID and the International Foundation of for Electoral System (IFES) for their support, and hoped that the patriotism and cooperation that characterized the 2011 elections will continue to consolidate the existing peace and nurture Liberian democracy.