The United States has announced visa restrictions to individuals "working to undermine Liberia's democracy" ahead of the October elections.
According to Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, the policy will take effect ahead of Liberia's upcoming elections.
The West African country will hold its election on October 10, 2023.
Incumbent President George Weah is seeking re-election after serving a six-year term.
Blinken said this action reflects the United States' commitment to supporting Liberians’ aspirations for free and fair elections that demonstrate the will of the people.
"Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act for those undermining democracy in Liberia. This policy will take effect in advance of the upcoming election.
"Under this policy, the United States will pursue visa restrictions for those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Liberia, including through manipulation or rigging of the electoral process; use of violence to prevent people from exercising their rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly; use of measures designed to prevent political parties, voters, civil society, or the media from disseminating their views; or engagement in any other activity designed to improperly influence the outcome of an election," the Secretary of State said in a statement.
He added that certain family members of the affected persons may also be subject to these restrictions.
"Persons who undermine democracy in Liberia including in the lead-up to, during, and following Liberia’s 2023 elections may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy, " he said.
Blinken further clarified that the visa restriction is not in any way directed at the Liberian government or her people.
"The visa restriction policy announced today will apply to specific individuals and is not directed at the Liberian people or the Government of Liberia," he said.
"The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support Liberians’ aspirations to have free and fair elections that demonstrate the will of the people and strengthen democracy and the rule of law. "