Hiked Candidates’ Fees Approved

New Democrat (Monrovia)

Boima J.V.boima and Wellignton Railey

27 May 2011

“Poor Candidates” wanting to run for high public offices in the impending 2011 elections will now have to forgo their dream, after House members approved an act Thursday amending section 20.2 of the new election law, increasing candidate’s registration fees, contrary to what occurred in the 2005 elections.

Their actions came amidst public outcry and condemnation from various individuals, including some legislators, who described the amendment as “selfish and unconstitutional.”

“The bill is selfish; it is intended to benefit those of us who can afford, and that is not how it should be. There must be a level-playing field for everybody who wants to partake in the electoral process,” fumed Rep. Thomas T. Fallah (Montserrado #7).

In the 2005 elections, presidential and vice-presidential candidates paid US$2,500 and US$1,500 respectively, while senatorial and representative aspirants paid US$750 and US$500 as registration fees respectively, as prescribed by the 2004 electoral reform law.

But the new bill, which was endorsed Thursday following an intense debate at the House, will, if concurred by the Senate, mandate the National Elections Commission (NEC) to require presidential and vice-presidential candidates to pay US$7,500.00 and U$7,000.00 respectively, while senatorial and representative candidates will pay US$2,500.00 and US$1,500.00 respectively.

Rep. Edwin Snowe, who had earlier denied sponsoring the bill, was seen celebrating with Rep. Gabriel Smith alongside Elija Seah and others in Chambers after the bill was passed.

Also, before the passage of the bill, Rep. Snowe threatened to resist any proposed increment in the benefits of his colleagues for the next fiscal year should they refuse to endorse the bill.

Rep Snowe: “It (the hike in fees) is not intended to scare poor candidates from the impending polls. As we stand to detest this bill, it’s our hope that we will not increase any benefits of ours in the next fiscal year, that our benefits will remain the same.”

Amidst this stance, other house members somersaulted in favor of the bill, thus endorsing the fee increment.

Reports say their main challengers in the impending legislative elections cannot afford the US$1,500 fees enshrined in the new bill.

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