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Liberia

Boundary Delimitation

BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes

Source: Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:32:27 UTC

BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
f. Communities of interest/cultural concerns

Source: Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:32:27 UTC

BD05 The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
d. Electoral management body

Source: Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:32:27 UTC

Direct Democracy

DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level? Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
a. Mandatory referendum
b. Optional referendum
c. Citizens' initiative
d. Agenda initiative
e. Recall

Comments: provisions are supposed to be in the constitution MR. BOBBY W. LIVINGSTONE- INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE IEC OF LIBERIA
Last updated: 2005-09-30 12:18:18 UTC

DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
c. Regulations

Comments: MR. BOBBY W. LIVINGSTONE- INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE IEC OF LIBERIA
Last updated: 2005-09-30 12:21:17 UTC

DD04 What is the legal basis for optional referendums at the national level?
e. Not applicable

Comments: MR. BOBBY W. LIVINGSTONE- INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE IEC OF LIBERIA
Last updated: 2005-09-30 12:22:17 UTC

DD05 What is the legal basis for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
c. Regulations

Comments: MR. BOBBY W. LIVINGSTONE- INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE IEC OF LIBERIA
Last updated: 2005-09-30 12:23:15 UTC

DD06 What is the legal basis for agenda initiatives at the national level?
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
c. Regulations

Comments: MR. BOBBY W. LIVINGSTONE- INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE IEC OF LIBERIA
Last updated: 2005-09-30 12:24:17 UTC

DD07 What is the legal basis for recalls at the national level?
a. Constitutional

Comments: MR. BOBBY W. LIVINGSTONE- INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE IEC OF LIBERIA
Last updated: 2005-09-30 12:24:53 UTC

DD08 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
c. Regulations

Comments: 1.provision is supposed to be made in the Constitution and the CPA 2. depending on the specific situation, other regulation instruments might be evoked MR. BOBBY W. LIVINGSTONE- INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE IEC OF LIBERIA
Last updated: 2005-09-30 12:27:30 UTC

DD09 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable

Comments: MR. BOBBY W. LIVINGSTONE- INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE IEC OF LIBERIA
Last updated: 2005-09-30 12:30:51 UTC

DD10 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
d. Other

Comments: NONE MR. BOBBY W. LIVINGSTONE- INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE IEC OF LIBERIA
Last updated: 2005-09-30 12:31:50 UTC

DD100 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
a. Ban on paid signature collectors
b. Ban on payment per signature
d. Requirement for signature collectors to identify if they are paid or volunteers

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:19:00 UTC

DD101 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?
a. Ban on paid signature collectors
b. Ban on payment per signature
d. Requirement for signature collectors to identify if they are paid or volunteers

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:19:23 UTC

DD102 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
b. Sample of signatures checked

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:19:54 UTC

DD103 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
b. Sample of signatures checked

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:20:34 UTC

DD104 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
b. Sample of signatures checked

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:21:04 UTC

DD105 Who is responsible for checking the signatures?
a. Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:21:33 UTC

DD109 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a referendum?
a. Information booklets
b. Leaflets and pamphlets
c. Radio broadcasts
d. TV broadcasts
e. Press advertisements
f. Website

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:26:21 UTC

DD11 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
d. Other

Comments: d. NONE MR. BOBBY W. LIVINGSTONE- INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE IEC OF LIBERIA
Last updated: 2005-09-30 12:33:01 UTC

DD110 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?
a. Information booklets
b. Leaflets and pamphlets
c. Radio broadcasts
d. TV broadcasts
e. Press advertisements
f. Website

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:27:12 UTC

DD111 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?
a. Information booklets
b. Leaflets and pamphlets
c. Radio broadcasts
d. TV broadcasts
e. Press advertisements
f. Website

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:36:48 UTC

DD12 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
d. Other

Comments: NONE MR. BOBBY W. LIVINGSTONE- INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE IEC OF LIBERIA
Last updated: 2005-09-30 12:36:51 UTC

DD124 If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?
b. Not applicable no free media access

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:46:30 UTC

DD125 Is the government permitted to campaign either in favour of or against any specific outcome to a referendum, initiatives or recall vote?
a. Yes

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:47:08 UTC

DD126 What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?

Comments: not available
Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:47:48 UTC

DD127 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign for a recall?
d. None

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:48:17 UTC

DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level? Date (yyyy)
a. Mandatory referendum January 6, 1986
b. Optional referendum January 6, 1986
c. Citizens' initiative January 6, 1986
d. Agenda initiative January 6, 1986
e. Recall 1986

Comments: MR. BOBBY W. LIVINGSTONE- INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE IEC OF LIBERIA
Last updated: 2005-09-30 12:39:25 UTC

DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)
a. Mandatory referendum 06/1/1986
b. Optional referendum 06/1/1986
c. Citizens' initiative 06/1/1986
d. Agenda initiative 06/1/1986
e. Recall 06/1/1986

Comments: MR. BOBBY W. LIVINGSTONE- INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE IEC OF LIBERIA
Last updated: 2005-09-30 12:41:05 UTC

DD15 Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
a. Government (specify department)
b. Independent electoral commission
c. President
d. Legislature

Comments: IEC is an independent body commissioned by the president and approved by the legislature
Last updated: 2005-09-30 14:36:27 UTC

DD16 Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
a. Yes

Comments: suppose to be in the act establishing the IEC.
Last updated: 2005-09-30 14:37:46 UTC

DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
d. Not applicable

Comments: within the preas....... of the constitution is it stated that the power is inherent in the people, who if the so deem may alts.... then government
Last updated: 2005-09-30 14:50:35 UTC

DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2005-09-30 14:51:08 UTC

DD19 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces

Last updated: 2005-09-30 14:53:10 UTC

DD20 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2005-09-30 14:53:46 UTC

DD21 Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2005-09-30 14:54:14 UTC

DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No

Last updated: 2005-09-30 14:54:51 UTC

DD23 Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No

Last updated: 2005-09-30 14:55:13 UTC

DD24 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes

Last updated: 2005-09-30 14:55:40 UTC

DD25 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No

Last updated: 2005-09-30 14:56:29 UTC

DD26 Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No

Last updated: 2005-09-30 14:57:29 UTC

DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignity, national self-determination

Comments: the appication of referenda are more mandatory for the specific constitutional ammendment
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:00:20 UTC

DD28 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
i. Other public policy issues

Comments: legislative powers (constitution)
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:02:26 UTC

DD29 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
k. None

Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:03:13 UTC

DD31 Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
a. Government
c. President
d. Legislative majority
e. Registered electors

Comments: depending on the source
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:05:25 UTC

DD32 Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
a. Government (specify department)
c. President
d. Legislature
e. Registered electors

Comments: the legislature has the power to do so generally
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:06:38 UTC

DD33 Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
b. Independent electoral commission

Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:08:39 UTC

DD34 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
a. The title of the proposal
b. The numbers of the articles or paragraphs of the legal instruments to which changes are proposed
c. An explanatory text
d. The full text of the proposal
e. Other (specify)

Comments: legislative procedure
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:09:47 UTC

DD35 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?
a. The title of the proposal
b. The numbers of the articles or paragraphs of the legal intruments to which chnages are proposed
c. An explanatory text
d. The full text of the proposal

Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:11:46 UTC

DD36 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
b. Independent electoral commission
d. Legislature

Comments: New Electoral Law and Constitution
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:12:47 UTC

DD37 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
b. Independent electoral commission
d. Legislature

Comments: New Electoral Law and Constitution
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:14:17 UTC

DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
a. Turnout quorum yes
b. Approval quorum yes

Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:16:56 UTC

DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
c. No quorom required yes

Comments: not available
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:17:27 UTC

DD40 What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
a. Simple majority (>50%)
b. Qualified majority (specify % below)

Comments: constitution and legislative law
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:18:32 UTC

DD41 What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
a. Simple majority (>50%)
b. Qualified majority (specify % below)

Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:19:03 UTC

DD42 In which areas, if any, do regulatory provisions differ between a referendum and a national election? Tick all that apply and specify below in the comments section.
c. Postal voting
d. Overseas voting

Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:22:02 UTC

DD43 When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
a. Always

Comments: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:22:46 UTC

DD44 When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
a. Always

Comments: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:23:46 UTC

DD45 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Legislative proposals
c. Other (specify)

Comments: For the removal of public servants Constitution
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:25:06 UTC

DD46 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Legislative proposals
c. Other (specify)

Comments: For the removal of public servants constitution
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:26:46 UTC

DD47 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues

Comments: constitution
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:27:52 UTC

DD48 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
j. Other (specify)

Comments: not available
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:29:56 UTC

DD49 Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative? Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
a. A number of individuals
b. Registered committee/organisation

Comments: constitution
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:31:06 UTC

DD50 Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative? Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
a. A number of individuals
b. Registered committee/organisation

Comments: constitution
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:31:44 UTC

DD51 What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
a. Proposed title
b. General explanation of purpose
c. Full proposed text
d. Other (specify)

Comments: Association Law/ constitution
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:32:51 UTC

DD52 Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
a. Proponents of the initiative

Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:33:14 UTC

DD53 Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
b. The agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms (specify)

Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:33:37 UTC

DD54 Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
a. Inconsistency with proposed content
b. Commercial statement
c. Discriminatory or inflammatory statements
d. Excessive length
e. Incomprehensibility
f. More than one subject area

Comments: constitution
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:34:33 UTC

DD55 Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
b. Drafting actual text for legal measure

Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:35:13 UTC

DD56 Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
a. An automatic check is part of the initiative process

Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:35:37 UTC

DD57 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, who is responsible for undertaking it?
d. Legislature
e. Judiciary

Comments: constitution
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:36:19 UTC

DD58 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
c. After its submission but before the vote on the initiative

Comments: constitution
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:37:04 UTC

DD59 Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens’ initiative?
a. Government
b. Independent electoral commission
c. President
d. Legislature
e. Registered electors

Comments: constitution
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:37:50 UTC

DD60 At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
a. After the initiative is initially registered

Comments: constitution
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:38:48 UTC

DD62 When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
b. To accept one proposal only

Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:40:28 UTC

DD63 Who decides the final ballot text?
b. Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms
c. Legislature
d. Judiciary

Comments: constitution
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:41:48 UTC

DD64 Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
a. Within a certain time limit (specify)

Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:42:11 UTC

DD65 Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
a. Members of the national legislature
b. President
c. Other national level elected executive positions
d. National level appointed executive positions
e. Members of provincial / local legislature bodies
f. Governors, Mayors or equivalent
g. Other provincial/local level elected executive positions
h. Provincial/local level appointed executive positions
i. Elected judges

Comments: constitution
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:52:06 UTC

DD66 What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
a. Political or policy grounds
b. Indictment
c. Conviction
d. Moral turpitude

Comments: constitution
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:52:48 UTC

DD67 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to the time period in which an individual/position can be recalled?
a. No restrictions

Comments: constitution
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:53:30 UTC

DD68 If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
a. Within a certain time limit (specify)

Comments: constitution
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:54:14 UTC

DD69 When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
b. Separately and subsequently

Comments: constitution
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:54:59 UTC

DD71 Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
c. Not applicable

Comments: constitution
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:55:46 UTC

DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.

Comments: not available
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:56:41 UTC

DD73 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.

Comments: not available
Last updated: 2005-09-30 15:57:21 UTC

DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.

Comments: not available
Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:00:46 UTC

DD75 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.

Comments: not available
Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:01:54 UTC

DD80 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
d. None

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:07:32 UTC

DD81 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
d. None

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:08:10 UTC

DD82 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
d. None

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:08:41 UTC

DD83 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an agenda initiative?
d. None

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:09:06 UTC

DD84 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a recall? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.

Comments: not available
Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:10:19 UTC

DD87 Where can proposals for an abrogative referendum (optional) be signed?
a. Anywhere

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:11:57 UTC

DD88 Where can proposals for a rejective referendum (optional) be signed?
a. Anywhere

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:12:23 UTC

DD89 Where can proposals for a citizens' initiative be signed?
a. Anywhere

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:12:50 UTC

DD90 Where can proposals for an agenda initiative be signed?
a. Anywhere

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:13:15 UTC

DD91 Where can proposals for a recall be signed?
a. Anywhere

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:13:35 UTC

DD97 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
a. Ban on paid signature collectors
b. Ban on payment per signature
d. Requirement for signature collectors to identify if they are paid or volunteers

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:17:46 UTC

DD98 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a rejective referendum (optional)?
a. Ban on paid signature collectors
b. Ban on payment per signature
d. Requirement for signature collectors to identify if they are paid or volunteers

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:18:14 UTC

DD99 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a citizens' initiative?
a. Ban on paid signature collectors
b. Ban on payment per signature
d. Requirement for signature collectors to identify if they are paid or volunteers

Last updated: 2005-09-30 16:18:37 UTC

Electoral Management

EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution National Election Commission
b. Full Address 16th STREET, Tubman Blvd, P.O. Box 20 44, Monrovia
c. Telephone +23 16 55 44 50
e. Email [email protected]
f. Website Address www.necliberia.org
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Hon. James M. Fromayan
h. Information Officer Mr Bobby W. Livingstone
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections ENGLISH

Source: Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:30:19 UTC

EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
b. Regional level
c. Local level
d. Other kinds of elections (church, union, etc.) Please specify.

Comments: NEC can supervise church, union, etc. elections only when asked to do so.
Source: Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:30:19 UTC

EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
d. A national government department

Source: Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:30:19 UTC

EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
a. The President
c. The legislature

Source: Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:30:19 UTC

EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
b. For a term of _________ years

Comments: For a term of 7 years
Source: Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:30:19 UTC

EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?

Last updated: 2007-01-30 09:48:03 UTC

EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?

Last updated: 2007-01-30 09:48:03 UTC

EM10 What was the spending (in USD) per registered voter (NOT actual voters) or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters at the last general elections?

Last updated: 2007-01-30 09:48:03 UTC

EM11 What are the approximate proportions (%) of total election expenditure for the last national elections devoted to the following?

Last updated: 2007-01-30 09:48:03 UTC

Electoral Systems

ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
a. Head of State is the Head of Government
c. Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)

Source: Article 83 (b) - Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:15:30 UTC

ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
b. Directly elected in general elections, absolute majority (with 2nd round if necessary)

Source: Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:15:30 UTC

ES03 Does the country have a president?
a. Yes

Source: Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:15:30 UTC

ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
b. Two chambers

Source: Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:15:30 UTC

ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
d. Two-Round System

Comments: Liberia is now contemplating on adapting the simple majoritarian system for the election of the national legislature
Source: Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:15:30 UTC

ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:

Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:10:51 UTC

ES13 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 2, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved:

Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:10:51 UTC

Legislative Framework

LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
a. Part of Constitution
b. Separate legislation
d. Regulations or administrative rules

Comments: d) Regulations issued by the National Election Commission
Source: Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:18:33 UTC

LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
c. Local elections
d. Referendums

Source: Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:18:33 UTC

LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary

Source: Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:18:33 UTC

LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
b. EMB

Source: Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:18:33 UTC

Media and Elections

ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: GIBSON W. JERUE
b. Job Title: NEWS EDITOR
c. Organisation: THE ANALYST NEWSPAPER
d. Contact Address: CAREY STREET (NEAR CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA)
e. Telephone: CELL: 06-512915/ 077004940
g. Email: [email protected]/ [email protected]

Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:07:13 UTC

ME09 In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?
b. Private radio
d. Private television
e. Print media

Comments: apart from the New Liberia Newspaaper, there are a few other newspapeers that do not behave independent as they professed. they are what we call 'sympathetic of government'. thats someone or the proprietor is a friend of the power that be. MR. GIBSON W. JERUE, EDITOR OF THE ANALYST NEWSPAPER
Last updated: 2005-09-26 17:23:10 UTC

ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
a. a

Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:07:13 UTC

ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster? Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
a. n

Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:07:13 UTC

ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
a. a

Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:07:13 UTC

ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
a. n

Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:07:13 UTC

ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
a. a

Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:07:13 UTC

ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
a. Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance

Source: Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:08:26 UTC

ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising X

Comments: What the law does is limit the overall campaign cost for each category of candidate
Source: Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:08:26 UTC

ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?

Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:07:13 UTC

ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
b. There are no laws in this regard yes

Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:07:13 UTC

ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
b. The law does not specify any limits yes

Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:07:13 UTC

ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?

Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:07:13 UTC

ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
a. Yes, in presidential elections

Source: Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:08:26 UTC

ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?
a. ......... n

Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:07:13 UTC

ME62 What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
g. Not applicable

Comments: Liberia has not been practicing this.
Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:08:26 UTC

Parties and Candidates

PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Signature requirement (specify requirement)

Comments: 500 from 12 of 15 counties
Source: Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:03:48 UTC

PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
a. Signature requirement (specify requirement)

Comments: 500 from 12 of 15 counties
Source: Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:03:48 UTC

PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
c. Country of birth
e. Citizenship of parents
f. Registration

Source: Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:03:48 UTC

PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
c. Country of birth
f. Registration

Source: Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:03:48 UTC

PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
e. In both presidential and legislative elections

Source: Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:03:48 UTC

PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
a. No

Source: Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:03:48 UTC

PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
f. Not applicable

Source: Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:03:48 UTC

PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
a. Yes

Comments: Private funding from Liberian Citizens Only
Source: Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:03:48 UTC

Vote Counting
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations

Source: Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:04:59 UTC

VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
d. By request

Comments: Request must be studied by the EMB and deemed genuine
Source: Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 16:04:59 UTC

VC16 If preliminary results are announced, how long after the close of polls is this done?

Last updated: 2007-01-30 13:56:16 UTC

Voter Education

VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
c. Local/County Electoral Management Bodies
g. NGOs/ Civic Organizations
i. Media
j. Religious Institutions

Source: Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:34:42 UTC

VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
a. Continuously

Source: Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:34:42 UTC

VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
b. Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
d. Yes, conducted by the Local/County Electoral Management Bodies
h. Yes, conducted by NGOs/ Civic Organizations

Source: Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:34:42 UTC

Voting Operations
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections

Source: Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:58:20 UTC

VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
a. Outside the country voting is not permitted

Comments: It is not really that voting outside the country is not permitted by Law but, it is mainly due to fund limitation
Source: Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:58:20 UTC

VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
g. Not applicable

Source: Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:58:20 UTC

VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?

Last updated: 2007-01-30 12:45:28 UTC

VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot

Source: Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:58:20 UTC

VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?

Last updated: 2007-01-30 12:45:28 UTC

VO13 Approximately how many hours of training were provided to the presiding polling officer for the most recent national elections?

Last updated: 2007-01-30 12:45:28 UTC

VO14 Approximately how many hours of training were provided to the other polling officials for the most recent national elections?

Last updated: 2007-01-30 12:45:28 UTC

Voter Registration

VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
e. 20

Comments: 18 years
Source: Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:48:15 UTC

VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
d. Naturalization

Source: Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:48:15 UTC

VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
d. Election Management Body (specify)

Comments: INEC
Source: Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:48:15 UTC

VR08 Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
b. No

Source: Constitution of Liberia Samuel B. Cole Director of Civic and Voter Education NEC - Liberia [email protected]
Last updated: 2008-05-13 15:48:15 UTC

VR09 Approximately what percentage (on the basis of cost) of registration supplies and equipment are obtained or produced within the country?

Last updated: 2007-01-30 10:31:44 UTC

May 20, 2008 08:19 AM