A prominent civil society group urged President Joseph Boakai on Wednesday to withdraw his appointment of Jonathan Weedor as acting chairman of Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC), saying the move risks undermining confidence in future polls after allegations tied Weedor to disputed 2023 results.
Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) said the appointment “undermines public trust and confidence in the electoral process,” and urged an immediate reversal to protect the credibility of the 2029 general and presidential elections.
The group’s chairman, Mulbah Morlu, said Weedor was involved in activities that included announcing parallel results favorable to the to then opposition leader Boakai outside of the electoral body framework during the 2023 vote — a history STAND said creates a “compelling perception of bias.”
Weedor infamously declared Boakai winner after first round of voting when the National Elections Commission results showed otherwise.
“Elections must not only be free and fair — they must also be seen as such,” STAND said in a statement.
The group argued that anyone leading the NEC must inspire broad public trust, demonstrate absolute neutrality and reflect institutional independence, and that Weedor’s prior political involvement disqualifies him on those grounds.
STAND warned that keeping Weedor in the post could pre-emptively discredit the outcome of future elections and fuel disputes or unrest, posing a threat to national stability. The group framed its demand as a call on the president to act “in the supreme interest of the nation” by withdrawing the appointment.
The presidency has not issued a public reply to STAND’s statement and other criticisms besetting its latest appointment affecting the heart and soul of democratic governance in post conflict Liberia.
The administration’s decision to elevate Weedor has already sparked debate among political stakeholders and civil society organizations concerned about electoral impartiality.
Analysts say the controversy highlights sensitivities around institutional independence in Liberia’s delicate democratic landscape.
Observers cautioned that perceptions of bias at the electoral commission can complicate efforts to secure acceptance of results and maintain political stability ahead of tightly contested future contests.
STAND’s statement reiterated that, while the president has constitutional authority to appoint NEC leadership, that power should be exercised to strengthen democratic institutions rather than raise doubts about their neutrality.
The group said the withdrawal of Weedor’s appointment is necessary to preserve public trust in the electoral process and safeguard peace and stability.
