Liberian opposition criticizes Sirleaf government over local polls

Sep 3, 2007, 16:01 GMT

Monrovia - Defeated Liberian presidential candidate George Weah criticized the Unity Party-led government of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf for its attempt to appoint mayors and chiefs without elections.

Sirleaf, Africa's first female head of state, has been lobbying with the legislature to allow her appoint local government officials for now because there is no money for elections.

A statement issued by Weah's Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) party in Monrovia said any attempt to appoint municipal and chieftaincy officials violated the Liberian constitution.

'This is a gross disrespect for the constitution by leaders who should be the ultimate defenders of the law,' the CDC statement said.

The CDC condemned Sirleaf's move as 'a smart way of justifying her abuse of the law.'

The party called on the legislature to be cognizant of 'this clandestine and hidden agenda,' saying the move contradicts the principles of good governance.

'Liberia cannot afford to have an imperial president with a few oligarchs sitting at the pinnacle of authority,' the statement said.

The Liberian constitution mandates that all local government officials including city mayor and chiefs must be voted for in an election.

Without the holding of local elections the government remains incomplete.