The Liberian National Bar Association has a new leadership following its National Convention in Ganta, Nimba County.
By Lincoln G. Peters
Ganta, Liberia, December 2, 2024—The Liberian National Bar Association elected a new corps of officials to govern the body’s affairs for the next three years. Its National Secretary General, Cllr. Varmah M. Bornor overwhelmingly emerged as the new President of the Bar, replacing Cllr. Sylvester Rennie. The election was held at its 2024 National Convention in Ganta City, Nimba County.
Lawyers of the Bar elected the new president on Saturday, November 30, 2024, following a peaceful poll at Peace Empire Guest House, Wuo-Garbe Tarpia Intellectual Hall.
The LNBA National Convention, which brought the new officials on board, ran from November 28 to December 1, 2024, and was attended by international and local partners as well as legal practitioners from across the country.
The Convention, supported and funded by the United States Government, UNDP, and Arish Aid, among others, reaffirms the LNBA’s commitment to standardizing alternative dispute resolution in Liberia and providing pro-bono legal aid services by lawyers.
Meanwhile, following the conclusion of the voting process, tallying, and subsequent release of the election result, the LNBA National Election Committee said that 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 votes respectively.
The total number of valid votes was 447, and the total number of invalid votes was two, bringing the total votes cast to 448.
For the vice presidential candidate, Cllr. Evelyn Lah-Gongloe obtained 108 votes; Cllr. Juah F. Lawson, 191; Cllr. Bobby F. W. Livingstone, 90 votes; Cllr. Swalliho A. Sesay, 38 votes; Cllr. Dr. Mohammed S. Sheriff, 20 votes. The total valid votes cast was 447, and the invalid vote was one, bringing the total votes cast to 448.
Also, for the Secretary-General position, Cllr. Elijah T. Forkeyah obtained 228 votes, while Cllr. Fredrick M. Gbemie accumulated 220 votes.
Concluding the night, contestants for the National Treasurer post included Atty. Yaney K. Horton received 174 votes, and Atty. Yemi Shobayo-Williams received 269 votes. The total number of votes cast was 449, with six invalid votes.
President-elect Cllr. Varmah M. Bonor expressed appreciation and gratitude to his colleagues for electing him while committing to collaborate with the national government, international organizations, and local organizations to enhance the rule of law and access to justice in the country.
“Well, I think it’s a victory for the Liberian National Bar Association, the rule of law sector, and victory for democracy because the LNBA normally says it’s a national government in nature, and so, what has been demonstrated here without any chaos, protest, and confusion, it is enviable. We are going to work to improve the system at the LNBA. We will work with the Supreme Court, Executive, and National Legislature to ensure the rule of law is enhanced in the country’’ he noted.
According to him, he is not surprised about his election because lawyers have followed his activities and work in the Bar and the legal community and decided to vote for him as president of the Bar.
“The LNBA remains the common denominator for all of us. There is nothing like a team after the election because all focus on the LNBA. Therefore, we will work together to ensure the Bar moves forward because our role remains critical for the rule of law. Our priority is the concern of the lawyers and the Liberian people”, Cllr. Bonor notes. Editing by Jonathan Browne
