By Elbie Sebleh
MONROVIA: Members of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA), have elected new leadership to conduct the affairs of the Association for the next three years, with its incumbent National Secretary General, Cllr. Varmah M. Bornor, overwhelmingly emerging as the new President.
Cllr. Bornor was elected at the 2024 National Convention of the LNBA held in Ganta City, Nimba County.
Liberian lawyers elected their new officials on Saturday, November 30, 2024, following peaceful and non-violent polls held at the Wuo-Garbe Tarpia Intellectual Hall, Peace Empire Guest House.
The LNBA National Convention which brought the new officials onboard was held from November 28-December 1, 2024. It was graced by international and local partners as well as legal luminary from across the country.
Supported and funded by the United States Government, UNDP, Arish Aid among others, the convention reaffirmed the LNBA’s support towards the standardization of alternative dispute resolution in Liberia and the provision of pro-bono legal aid service by lawyers.
Following the conclusion of the voting process, tallying and subsequent release of the election results, the LNBA National Election Committee said the cumulative votes obtained per presidential candidate included, Cllr. Preston Chea Doe, 23 votes; Cllr. Wiefueh A. Sayeh, 115 votes; and Cllr. Varmah M. Bornor, 309.
The total number of valid votes was 447, total number of invalid votes two; and total of valid and invalid votes 447.
For the vice presidential candidates, Cllr. Evelyn Lah-Gongloe, obtained 108 votes; Cllr. Juah F. Lawson 191; Cllr. Bobby F. W. Livingstone 90; Cllr. Swalliho A. Sesay 38; Cllr./ Dr. Mohammed S. Sheriff, 20.
The total valid votes cast 447, invalid votes, one; and total valid and invalid votes 448.
Also, for the Secretary General position, Cllr. Elijah T. Forkeyah obtained 228 votes while Cllr. Fredrick M. Gbemie accumulated 220 votes. This position had one invalid votes, and 449 invalid and valid votes.
Concluding the night, the National Treasurer included candidates Atty. Yaney K. Horton, 174 votes; while Atty. Yemi Shobayo-Williams obtained 269 votes with the total votes cast of 443, six invalid votes, and total valid and invalid votes of 449.
Speaking in an interview with journalists following the release of the results, LNBA President-elect, Cllr. Varmah M. Bonor expressed appreciation and gratitude to his colleagues for electing him.
He committed to ensuring collaboration with national government and international and local organizations to ensure the rule of law and access to justice.
‘’ Well, I think it’s a victory for the Liberia National Bar Association, the rule of law sector, and victory for democracy”, he stressed.
What has been demonstrated here without any chaos, protest and confusion is something that is enviable. We are going to work to improve the system at the LNBA. We are going to work with the Supreme Court of Liberia, Executive and Judicial Branches to ensure that the rule of law is enhanced in the country,’’ he noted.
Further commenting on his victory, Cllr. Bornor lamented that he is not surprise because his activities and working in the LNBA and the legal community has been followed by lawyers in the country.
They have decided to vote for me because I am one of the best brains, knowing his previous role as National Secretary General of the LNBA.
‘’The LNBA remains the common denominator for all of us. After the elections, all focus on the LNBA. Therefore, we will work together to ensure that the Bar moves forward because our role remains critical for the rule of law. Our priority is the concerns of lawyers and the Liberian people,’’ he concluded.
