Monrovia- March 17, 2023: The Chief Justice of the Republic, Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh said the Supreme Court is resolved to dispense justice evenly without fear or favor in all election disputes during and after the pending General and Presidential Elections.

Her Honor, Sie- A- Nyene Youh made the declaration Monday, March 13, 2023 at formal program marking the official opening of the High Court for its March Term A.D. 2023.

She described the High Court as a light tower in the midst of storm and well fortified, judicially paused to hear and dispose off any elections disputes regardless of the magnitude or underlying ramifications.

The Chief Justice asked political parties or independent candidates to safeguard themselves with the best and astute lawyers who will exert their best in prosecuting or defending a candidate or political party’s interests.

She said in consonance with the Supreme Court’s Opinion, “it is incumbent upon a candidate in an election to ensure that he or she has in place qualified legal team so that in the event he believes that an election violation has occurred, he or she would be in the position to adequately take advantage of the law, especially with the timeframe prescribed by the law for asserting a challenge and timely appealing from any decision related to the challenge since electoral challenges are special proceedings which must be heard expeditiously” .

The Chief Justice further cautioned all political candidates that if their lawyer fails to perfect their appeal, the High Court, through a motion from the opposing party, will dismiss the case.

“If your case is shrouded with mere allegations, speculations, and doubts, rather than evidence, the Supreme Court will reject your claim, “ Chief Justice Youh asserted.

She maintained that as the elections draw closer, it should be made known that the Supreme Court will only be moved by strong and convincing evidence and not political ideologies, crowds or the recently created political slang on strong holds.

The Supreme Court Chief Priest said the court has consistently held that ” the concept of a candidate claiming ‘strong hold’ over a particular election geographical locale, finds no factual or legal basis in judicial proceeding as it is completely doubtful, uncertain, and speculative.

She further mentioned that only the electorates by their valid votes cast can determine whether or not a candidate is widely influential in a particular locale.

This allegation being speculative and uncertain is untenable as voting in elections within our jurisdiction is done by secret ballot,” Chief Justice Youh said.

At the same time, in response to Chief Justice Youh’s address, the Minister of Justice, counselor Frank Musa Dean said Chapter III of the Constitution of Liberia defines a broad range of fundamental rights and states that all persons are equal before the law and therefore entitled to equal protection of the law.

Justice Minister Dean quoted Article 15 of the Liberian Constitution which states, ” every person shall have the right to freedom of expression, being fully responsible for the abuse thereof.”

According to Minister Dean with the advent of social media, the right of freedom of expression has taken a new turn.

He argued that there now appears to be freedom without the corresponding onus of responsibility.

“Like weapons placed in the hands of kids, people are running amok, slandering and threatening others. Hate speech is on the rise. We are reminded of Radio Kigali in Rwanda,” Min. Dean declared

The Minister of Justice then urged the Judiciary to take due note of the “unfortunate development” which he said poses a challenge to law enforcement.