Liberia football election crisis deepens as Cassell Kuoh is barred from presidential race

The race for leadership of the Liberia Football Association (LFA) has taken a decisive turn after the Independent Electoral Committee ruled that presidential aspirant Cassell A. Kuoh is ineligible to contest the May 2026 elections.

The LFA cited statutory provisions that prohibit individuals with criminal convictions from seeking office.

In its determination, the committee relied on Articles 45.4 and 58.1 of the LFA Statutes, which explicitly disqualify any candidate “found guilty of a criminal offense” from standing for the presidency, vice presidency, or executive committee positions.

The ruling follows confirmation that Kuoh acknowledged a prior conviction during an official hearing, with public records and media reports indicating he was previously convicted in the United States.

The committee further clarified that the completion of a sentence or the restoration of civil rights does not override the statutory disqualification.

It stressed that only the Supreme Court of Liberia holds the authority to invalidate or overturn such provisions, effectively placing the matter beyond the jurisdiction of electoral administrators.

Although a Civil Law Court had earlier indicated that Kuoh could participate in the elections, the committee noted that the ruling did not declare the relevant statutes unconstitutional. As a result, the legal challenge remains unresolved and is currently pending before the Supreme Court.

“Articles 45.4 and 58.1 remain valid and binding until the Supreme Court rules otherwise,” the committee said.

It added that the decision was necessary to safeguard governance standards and maintain public confidence in the administration of football in Liberia.

In a separate development, Sekou V. Keita was also disqualified from contesting the Individual Beach Soccer Teams representative seat. While he reportedly satisfied several eligibility criteria, the committee ruled that his nomination failed to meet mandatory procedural requirements under the election guidelines.

The latest rulings significantly reshape the electoral landscape, with incumbent LFA president Mustapha I. Raji now set to run unopposed for a third consecutive term. Raji was first elected without opposition in 2018 and repeated the same outcome in 2022, consolidating his long-standing hold on the federation’s leadership.

Competition, however, remains active in other categories. Incumbent women’s representative Jodie Marian Reid Seton will face challenges from former executive members Rochelle G.D. Woodson and Kaddieyatu Darrah Findley, who is attempting a return to football governance.

Meanwhile, current first and second vice presidents Sekou W. Konneh and Saye-Taayor Adolphus Dolo are among several incumbents facing competition, including LPRC Managing Director Amos Tweh and Lofa County Senator Momo Cyrus.

A total of 23 candidates will contest 13 executive committee seats, featuring names such as Anthony Z. Deinuka, Christian Weah Sr., Kai Farley, Kelvin M. Bayoh, Ignatius M. Boakai, Emmett Blayee, Elvis H. Sirleaf and others, setting the stage for a closely watched electoral process despite the controversy surrounding key exclusions.