MONROVIA, Montserrado – The National Elections Commission began hearings into the complaint against Unity Party by its former standard bearer, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Sirleaf, through the International Law Group filed a complaint before NEC’s Board of Commissioners against the party’s standard bearer and former vice president, Joseph Boakai, alleging that he masterminded her expulsion, in violation of the party’s constitution.

Following the December 26 runoff presidential election, in which Boakai lost to George Weah of the Coalition for Democratic Change, Unity Party took a decision to expel Sirleaf, who was earlier accused by party leaders of supporting the opposition in the recent presidential elections.

A statement dated February 13, and signed by Mohammed Ali, national assistant secretary general for the press, publicity, and outreach, named Sen. Conmany B. Wesseh of River Gee; Medina Wesseh, a former executive committee member; and Patrick T. Worzie, deputy secretary of the party, as others who were also expelled.

“The behavior of the expelled persons constituted sabotage and undermined the existence of the party,” the statement read.

The other three expelled officials are also party to the complaint against Boakai.

The complaint to NEC alleges that the meeting which led to the expulsion of the Unity Party officials was held in isolation at Boakai’s private residence. It is also alleging that fewer than the required number of executive members signed the expulsion resolution.

Sirleaf’s office had earlier reacted to the expulsion, calling the act illegal.

Jerolinmek Piah, who was presidential press secretary at the time, said the expulsion of Sirleaf was illegal because it did not meet the requirements of the party’s constitution.

Boakai and Unity Party will be represented during the hearings by the Sherman and Sherman Law Firm.