LFA Elections Committee Disqualifies Cassell Kouh Over Eligibility Breach, Clearing Path for Mustapha Raji to Seek third Term Unopposed on White Ballot at May 2026 Elective Congress
MONROVIA — The Liberia Football Association Independent Elections Committee has disqualified Cassell Anthony Kouh from the May 2026 presidential race, leaving incumbent Mustapha Raji as the lone candidate set to recontest on a white ballot at the upcoming Elective Congress.
In its final list of qualified candidates released Thursday, the Committee declared Kouh “ineligible to contest” the May 2026 LFA Elections, stating the decision was grounded in law, consistent with the LFA’s integrity framework, and necessary to preserve public confidence in football governance.
The Committee did not specify the exact eligibility provision Kouh failed to meet, but cited the LFA Statutes and Electoral Code as the basis for the ruling.
With Kouh’s disqualification, Raji will face no challenger on the ballot as he seeks a second term as LFA President.
Under LFA electoral guidelines, a white ballot allows delegates to vote “yes” or “no” on a single candidate.
The Committee also addressed the eligibility of Sekou V. Keita, who filed to represent Individual Beach Soccer Teams.
Upon review, the Committee found that Keita satisfied requirements under Article 45.3 of the LFA Statutes, as amended in 2021, 2022, and 2023, including age, nationality, residency, education, football involvement, and integrity provisions.
However, the Committee noted that Keita’s nomination “was not consistent with the mandatory” requirements, indicating a procedural defect that could affect his qualification.
The May 2026 Elective Congress will proceed with Raji as the sole presidential candidate unless an appeal overturns Kouh’s disqualification.
The LFA Statutes permit disqualified aspirants to seek redress through the established appeals process.
The LFA has faced heightened scrutiny over governance and transparency in recent years, with the Independent Elections Committee emphasizing that its decisions aim to uphold the Association’s integrity framework and maintain stakeholder confidence ahead of the Congress.
