The convention will be held under the theme: “The Role of Public Defenders in the Judicial System: Its Prospects and Challenges.”
Monrovia—The National Association of Public Defenders of Liberia (NAPDOL) is set to host its Seventh Annual Convention from January 9-10, 2025, at the Banquet Hall on the ground floor of the Temple of Justice in Monrovia.
By Victoria G. Wesseh
The convention will be held under the theme: “The Role of Public Defenders in the Judicial System: Its Prospects and Challenges.”
According to Article 23, Section 3, Sub-section One of NAPDOL’s Constitution, the association is required to hold an Annual General Meeting once each year. This meeting typically takes place in December, with members receiving at least two weeks’ notice.
However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the current leadership postponed the Annual General Meeting to the upcoming dates in January.
During the convention, elections for new officers will also be conducted. Article 17, Section 3 of NAPDOL’s Constitution stipulates that the President, in consultation with the Executive Council, shall establish an Elections Commission responsible for conducting officer elections.
The commission is tasked with creating election guidelines in accordance with the Constitution and By-laws of NAPDOL, with results to be announced on the same day following the close of polling.
The Elections Commission has reviewed applications from candidates for various positions, declaring the following individuals eligible to contest in the elections scheduled for January 10, 2025:
Presidential Candidates: Cllr. Bestman D. Juah, Sr. and Cllr. Jerome C. Pour and Vice-Presidential Candidates: Cllr. Sennay Carlos and Cllr. George S. Dunor while Secretary General Candidate: Cllr. Alfre B. Holmes (unopposed). For Financial Secretary No applicants apply—and For Treasurer Candidate Cllr. Edwina D. Vakun is the only candidate.
Meanwhile, Cllr. Tobey Joseph Raynes, the President of NAPDOL, expressed confidence that the elections will comply with the constitutional framework established by the association’s founders, emphasizing that elections for officers are to be held every two years.
