Pleebo, Maryland County–The former Speaker of the 54th National Legislature and outgoing Representative of Pleebo Sodoken District # 2 Maryland County has for the second time got defeated by Anthony William of the district.
Former Speaker Chambers who became a member of the House of Representatives on January 16, 2006 and re-elected in 2011 and 2018 served the district for the past 18years. Following his re-election in 2018 that usher in his third tenure, he got elevated as Speaker of the 54th National Legislature on a white ballot as a result of strong lobby by former President George Manneh Weah to control the legislature. Bhofal, not satisfied with 18 years of representation, ran to retain the position in an election that was heavily contested by nine (9) sons and daughters of the district. After the tight race on October 10, 2023 general elections, former student leader of the University of Liberia Anthony F. William was pronounced winner by the National Elections Commission.
According to the NEC reports Anthony F. Williams defeated Chambers in the October 10 polls with a margin of 83 votes an outcome the former Speaker rejected.
Former Speaker Chambers complaint was held by NEC’s hearing officer who ruled affirming the result earlier announced in favor of William, but Chamber Lawyers announced an appeal to NEC Board of commissioners. At the commissioners hearing, the ruling of the hearing officer was upheld that saw Chamber announcing another appeal to the Supreme of Liberia.
The Supreme Court of Liberia in it ruling order the National Elections Commission to conduct a Re-run in Old Sodoken at two polling places which was held on 25 January 2024.
The Re-run was held in the two polling places and saw former Speaker Chambers obtaining his defeat for the second time.
The results as announced by NEC local office in the county declared William as winner with 671 -120 with a margin of 551 instead of the previous votes of 83 during the October 10, 2023 general elections. Cross section of citizens speaking to reporters in the district upon hearing the results of the defeat against former Speaker Chambers, expressed their deepest excitement and gratitude on how they were relief from “18 years of imprisonment”.
Miss Felecia Wallance speaking in an interview over the weekend said, she’s grateful to God and the many supporters who stood their grounds and ensure that Rep. Cambers is off their heads.
“For me, I voted him out because he’s not the only person that is educated or experienced to sit in power for almost 20 years. There are other qualified Marylanders that can play their part as well and should be given the opportunity to serve and deliver already he has failed us” she lamented.
She said though there was huge security presence during the re-run, but they as citizens of the district had resolved minds to boot the former Speaker out of the district.
Both former Speaker Bhofal Chambers and his wife have sent congratulatory message to William for his win and commended the people of the district for allowing him to serve.
By: Domingo Dargbeh
