Court clears Liberian FA election path as Kuoh ordered to comply

The Civil Law Court at the Temple of Justice has removed a major obstacle to the Liberia Football Association’s electoral process, ordering FC Fassell President Cassell Anthony Kuoh to participate within the established framework while dissolving a long-standing injunction that had frozen proceedings.

In a ruling delivered on Thursday, Judge Peter W. Gbeneweleh effectively restored the electoral timetable, bringing an end to weeks of legal uncertainty that had cast doubt over the future of football governance in Liberia.

The decision is widely seen as a turning point, allowing the LFA to regain momentum and proceed with plans to elect new leadership.

The injunction, which had halted all electoral activities, was a central factor behind the delay. Its removal now paves the way for the association to resume preparations, with stakeholders across Liberian football anticipating a return to normalcy after the prolonged disruption.

Court declines jurisdiction on constitutional dispute

A key element of the ruling centred on the court’s position regarding its authority to interpret constitutional matters linked to the LFA’s 2018 statutes. Judge Gbeneweleh made it clear that such issues fall outside the remit of the Civil Law Court.

“Wherefore and in view of the foregoing, this Court hereby declines jurisdiction over the constitutionality of the LFA 2018 approved statutes, same being cognizable before the Supreme Court of Liberia,” the judge said.

This clarification draws a firm line between the responsibilities of lower courts and the Supreme Court, particularly in disputes involving constitutional interpretation. By declining jurisdiction, the court avoided delving into the substance of Kuoh’s legal arguments, instead directing that any such challenge be pursued through the appropriate judicial channel.

The ruling underscores a broader principle within Liberia’s legal framework, reinforcing that constitutional questions cannot be settled in courts lacking the mandate to adjudicate them.

Kuoh cleared to contest but within rules

While declining to address the constitutional arguments, the court affirmed Kuoh’s eligibility to contest in the upcoming elections. However, it emphasized that his participation must align strictly with the LFA’s rules and procedures.

“This Court hereby declares the right of petitioner Cassell Anthony Kuoh to contest the LFA elections and that he should avail himself to the electoral process of the Liberia Football Association,” the ruling stated.

Kuoh had mounted a legal challenge against provisions in the electoral guidelines that bar individuals with past criminal convictions from standing for office, arguing that such restrictions infringe on constitutional protections. His legal team sought a declaratory judgment to overturn those provisions.

The court, however, determined that raising constitutional concerns could not justify halting an ongoing electoral process. Instead, it maintained that Kuoh retains the right to pursue his claims at the Supreme Court while still engaging with the LFA’s established procedures.

Stakeholders eye return to stability

The decision is expected to have immediate implications for the administration of football in Liberia, with the LFA now positioned to resume full electoral activities.

For many within the football community, the ruling represents a critical step toward restoring order and continuity after a period of uncertainty.