Liberia’s elections body chief who announced the incumbent President winner in the fiercely contested 2023 presidential vote has been suspended for dismissing over two dozen workers without ‘proper consultation’.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai who resumed power in Jan. 2024 following six years in opposition said in a statement Wednesday the Chairperson of the National Elections Commission Davidetta Browne-Lansanah sanctioning is based on accusation that she breached the country’s elections law.
The suspension will remain in effect indefinitely as investigations continue, he said according to a statement shared on the Presidency Facebook account.
“The decision comes in the wake of recent protests by frustrated NEC staff concerning administrative actions taken by Browne-Lansanah without proper consultation. Investigations revealed that she unilaterally closed the NEC offices for a month and dismissed 25 employees, bypassing the requisite approval from the NEC Board of Commissioners.
“According to Sections 2.1 and 2.10(d) of the Elections Law, the administration of NEC affairs is the collective responsibility of the Board, which requires collaboration on decisions involving staff corrective measures.”
He SAID Browne-Lansanah’s actions not only violated established protocol but also jeopardized the integrity of the Commission during a critical electoral period.
The President expressed concern over the potential negative effects of these actions on the upcoming by-elections, scheduled within the next two months, and condemned the toxic atmosphere that has developed within the NEC.
“While the committee constituted to investigate the grievances of NEC workers was actively addressing the matter, Madam Browne-Lansanah took precipitous and unilateral actions, thereby undermining the integrity and stability of the institution,” he stated.
President Boakai reiterated the Government of Liberia’s commitment to uphold transparency, accountability, and the rule of law within its institutions, particularly the NEC, which is pivotal in maintaining the democratic processes in the country.
