President Joseph Boakai has lifted the suspension of the Chairperson of the National Elections Commission Davidetta Browne Lansanah after she was sanctioned in Jan for alleged breach of elections law.
The decision follows a high-level meeting held on February 18 at the Executive Mansion, which included NEC Board members, the ECOWAS Ambassador to Liberia, and key officials from the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs.
The reinstatement signals a turning point for the NEC after months of internal strife and public concern over its operations. During the meeting, which aimed to foster reconciliatory measures, participants agreed on the importance of collaboration among the Commissioners and discussed reversing dismissals of certain NEC employees.
President Boakai emphasized the necessity for unity and professionalism within the NEC, a body pivotal to maintaining public trust in Liberia’s democratic processes. He urged the Commissioners to work together harmoniously to eliminate any perceived internal conflict, asserting that a united front would better serve the Commission’s goals.
“I urge all involved to support one another and work towards achieving our common objectives,” Boakai said, highlighting the need for renewed efforts to bridge the gap between the Commission’s leadership and its staff.
Additionally, he expressed his willingness to meet with representatives of the aggrieved NEC workers to address their concerns formally raised in a petition delivered to his office following a December 2024 protest.
President Boakai’s actions are aimed at instilling confidence ahead of the upcoming by-election slated for Nimba County, following the death of Senator Prince Y. Johnson. With this resolution, the President reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the NEC’s integrity and the credibility of future elections in Liberia.
