Kufuor on pre-election visit to Liberia

Accra, Sept 22, GNA - Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has arrived in Monrovia for a four-day pre-election mission as the Special Envoy of the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS).

He is partnered by former Nigerian Head of state of Nigeria, General Abdulsalami Abubakar as joint Special Envoy.

The two former leaders will assess preparations towards Liberia's second general election since it returned to constitutional rule almost five years ago.

The election, to be held in October, is being contested by 16 political parties including the Congress for Democratic Change of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who will be seeking a second five-year term.

Soon on arrival, the two former Presidents held separate meetings with officials of the United Nations Mission in Liberia and the Independent Electoral Commission of Liberia (INEC).

Former President Kufuor appealed to INEC to live beyond reproach and to conduct the election in a manner that would win the trust of all the parties.

He told members of INEC that they were on the verge of making history and they must therefore play strictly by the rules and not be intimidated or influenced by the parties for their parochial gains.

Both Madam Ellen Margaret Loj, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Liberia and Mr James Fromayan, Chairman of INEC, complained about the use of inflammatory language which could lead to violence if not checked.

Mr Fromayan gave the assurance that the INEC was up to the task and would play it fairly across board.

Former President Kufuor and General Abubakar will meet President Johnson-Sirleaf and later with representatives of political parties, civil society and the media.