MONROVIA: Mr. Akoi Baysah and Julius Konton, both elected during the highly disputed September 21, 2024 elections, have decided to boycott the inauguration.
This decision aligns with the stance taken by Team Unity, a faction within the PUL, which has also urged international partners to avoid the inauguration ceremony of Mr. Julius Kanubah and others, labeling it an endorsement of undemocratic practices.
The elections, marred by irregularities under the interim leadership of Mr. Peter Quaqua, only saw a participation rate of 16%, with 208 out of 1,280 eligible voters casting their ballots.
The low turnout was largely due to a boycott by 84% of the membership, including several key candidates, protesting against the lack of transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Despite the pending legal hearing aimed at addressing these procedural discrepancies and disenfranchisement issues from the September election, the inauguration is still set to proceed.
Team Unity views this move as a validation of the flawed election and a further deepening of the ongoing division and crisis within the union, which has been ongoing for over two years.
The interim leadership’s decision to push forward with the inauguration demonstrates, according to Team Unity, a clear intent to cling to power through undemocratic means.
Team Unity continues to push for a legitimate electoral process that truly reflects the collective will of PUL members and upholds the principles of justice and equity.
They call on all stakeholders to stand in solidarity to ensure that democratic values are not only upheld but cherished within the union, fostering a journalistic institution that operates with integrity and transparency.