UNMIL Radio Launches Elections Programme Dubbed “Hot Seat” for Legislative and Presidential Candidates

As part of the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Liberia to assist in the 2011 Liberian election by supporting Liberian institutions and political parties in creating an atmosphere conducive to the conduct of peaceful elections, UNMIL Radio will, on Thursday 1^st September 2011, launch a new electoral programme dubbed “Hot Seat”.

“Hot Seat” will afford equitable air time to candidates, party and independent aspirants, for seats at the Houses of Senate and Representatives as well as contenders for President who have been certified by the National Elections Commission and who wish to appear on the programme. The candidates will participate in “Hot Seat” with other contenders for the same public offices, to speak on their political platform through a constructive debate.

The topics for each show will be chosen ahead of time by UNMIL Radio and the moderators of “Hot Seat” will ensure that the discussion remains within the scope of the agreed topics. The Legislative candidates will participate in the programme in the order of the County and Electoral District they are vying to represent at the National Legislature.

Interested candidates are requested to contact UNMIL Radio at tel: 0531 5201 Monday-Friday between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm, and no later than 5pm on Friday 26^th August 2011, and state their full name, the county and electoral district contesting for and preferably two telephone numbers.

Candidates to appear on the programme must fulfill the nomination eligibility requirements of the National Elections Commission. Failure to comply will result in exclusion from the programme. Equally, late registration (after 5pm on 26^th August) or late arrival for the agreed recording session will result in exclusion from the programme. These registration details will be broadcast on UNMIL Radio.

The “Hot Seat” will be broadcasted on Mondays to Fridays from 12:05pm to 13:00pm. An additional broadcast slot on Mondays to Fridays from 4pm to 6pm will be availed to accommodate any high response should UNMIL Radio experience high candidate registrants. Broadcast schedule will follow as per the below table: