— As campaign activities get into full gear
Election fever is sweeping through the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA), as promises and policies take center stage among contestants, especially the presidential candidates.
With just nine days to the polls, one of the candidates, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah yesterday launched what he termed as his “Ten(10)-Pillar Campaign Platform.”
Cllr. Varmah, the current National Secretary General, is facing off against Cllr. Wiefueh Sayeh for the top presidential post.
The current president of the association, Cllr. Sylvester Rennie, is not contesting — stepping down after serving his three-years. Cllr. Rennie has, however, thrown his support behind his chief scribe in an effort to have a successor that he endorses.
However, Varmah noted Thursday that the Ten-Pillar Campaign manifesto served as his comprehensive policy guide, primarily designed to revitalize the legal sector of the country.
The components of the manifesto include: National Welfare and Support for Legal Professionals, Strengthening Legal Education, Legal Professional Development and Recognition, and Rule of Law and Policy Advocacy. The others are, LNBA’s Governance and Modernization, Infrastructure Development, Support for Legal Institutions, and Enhance Visibility and Professional Growth
At the launch, he pledged his commitment to implementing his much talked about 10 page pillar, if elected.
Touching on professional welfare, he promised that his leadership would advocate for the welfare of all professionals including the establishment of a private fund for lawyers, and a uniform pay grade for lawyers working in government ministries and agencies.
According to Varmah, his drive will expand continuing legal education to address the needs of law school students and practicing lawyers alike and establish an institute for practical legal training to equip lawyers with hands-on skills.
He promised to advocate for the Autonomy Status of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law of the University of Liberia, (UL), and to enhance the dual legal system (formal vs. Customary justice).
He likewise promised to foster international exchange programs with law School globally to broaden the educational experience for Liberian law students.
According to Varmah, his leadership will champion the creation of meritorious awards to recognize high performing judges and other key figures in the legal sectors to gain globally exposure and advanced legal education.
His manifesto promised to strengthen relationships with the judiciary, legislative and the executive, to promote the rule of law and ensure effective governance.
According to the manifesto, they will regulate issues of the BAR Policy statements on national issues, reaffirming its leadership in advocating for justice and civil society.
Varmah’s manifesto further promised that it will push for the review and amendment of the 1907 LNBA Act, to strengthen the association and modernize its operations, with improved financial systems and controls including making payment of dues and levies through the bank for greater transparency.
According to Varmah, his leadership will expedite the completion of the long-awaited Headquarters construction project with external support, creating a central hub for legal professionals to collaborate and grow.
He said, he promised drive the swift development of LNBA’S physical infrastructure, to enhance member services and improve the working environment
Varmah promised to advocate for the welfare of the National Association of Trial Judges, prosecutors Association and the national Association of Public Defender to ensure a balanced and effective justice system.
Global Legal Networks and Knowledge Exchange They promised to facilitate partnerships and knowledge exchange programs with bars and law organizations from around the world, to enhance capacity building and global competitiveness for Liberian lawyers.
Enhance visibility, professional ad
Under this pillar, Varmah promised to revamp the LNBA’S website to include comprehensive profiles of all licensed lawyers, providing increased visibility and professional networking.
Introducing Meritorious Awards for High-Performing Judges and Relevant Actors in the Legal Sectors
According to Varmah, this is a meaningful initiative to recognize and celebrate excellence, integrity and dedication within the judiciary. “Such awards would not only reinforce individuals to uphold the highest standards of Justice but also reinforce Public confidence in the legal system,” Varmah’s manifesto noted.
