MONROVIA, LIBERIA — Margibi County District #1 Representative aspirant Gus Harris is calling on the National Elections Commission (NEC) to reconsider the proposed nomination fee for candidates seeking seats in the House of Representatives.
Harris says the NEC should reduce the fee from US$3,000 to US$1,500, arguing that Liberia’s democratic space must remain open and accessible to all qualified citizens who wish to participate in the electoral process.
According to Harris, a US$1,500 fee would be fairer and more affordable for aspiring representative candidates, particularly those who may have the capacity to serve their constituents but lack significant financial resources.
He stressed that democracy should not become an opportunity reserved only for individuals with substantial financial means.
Harris’ comments follow the announcement of a US$3,000 nomination fee for representative candidates by NEC Chairman Cllr. Jonathan Weedor.
The Margibi District #1 aspirant urged the elections authorities to consider the financial realities facing ordinary Liberians and adopt a fee that would encourage wider participation in the democratic process.
“We need the country’s democratic space to be open for everyone to participate,” Harris said, emphasizing the importance of inclusiveness in Liberia’s electoral system.
He believes reducing the fee to US$1,500 would strike a better balance between supporting the electoral process and ensuring that financial barriers do not discourage qualified citizens from seeking public office.
