In a ceremony held on Friday, December 8, 2023, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, the National Elections Commission (NEC) finally certified Bill Twehway and Nathaniel F. McGill as winners of the senatorial seats for River Cess and Margibi Counties, respectively. This certification marks a significant step toward their induction into the 55th Legislature scheduled for January 15, 2024.
The certification comes after almost two months since the October 10, 2023, presidential and legislative elections conducted by the NEC across the country. The successful validation of the results solidifies the positions of Twehway and McGill, both of whom are closely aligned with the ruling party, the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), and were sanctioned by the U.S. government for alleged acts of public corruption during their tenure in the CDC government.
Despite their electoral victories, controversy looms over the newly certified senators. Various civil society organizations (CSOs) and anti-graft institutions have raised concerns and are urging thorough investigations and prosecutions. Bill Twehway, Nathaniel McGill, and others on the sanctioned list, including Cllr. Varney Sherman (outgoing Senator of Grand Cape Mount County) and Senator Prince Johnson of Nimba County, are under scrutiny for their alleged involvement in acts of public corruption.
The list of sanctioned individuals extends beyond elected officials to include prominent figures such as Cllr. Varney Sherman the outgoing Senator of Grand Cape Mount County, Senator Prince Y. Johnson of Nimba County, former Solicitor General Cllr. Sayma Cepheus, former Director of Passport and Visas at the Liberian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andrew Wonplo, and Monrovia Mayor Jefferson Koijee. Calls for accountability emphasize the need to address allegations of corruption that have marred Liberia’s political landscape.
As the 55th Legislature awaits its January 15, 2024 induction, the controversy surrounding the certified senators underscores the delicate balance between political processes and the imperative to address allegations of corruption. The coming months are likely to see increased scrutiny and public discourse regarding the fate of these elected officials, as Liberia navigates the intersection of democracy, accountability, and the pursuit of justice.