"NEC Workers Protest Unpaid Benefits, Demand Transparency on US$8M Surplus"

NEC Headquarters at Standstill as Workers Protest Over Unpaid Benefits and Insurance

Normal operations at the Headquarters of the National Election Commission (NEC) have come to a halt as workers stage a protest demanding the payment of four months' worth of benefits and insurance coverage.

Prince Alpha, Deputy Director for Technical Services and Facility Management at NEC, shared with this station that employees have repeatedly raised their concerns with the Commission, but to no avail. According to Alpha, during the 2023 general election, no NEC employee was insured, and workers are still owed 12 months' worth of general allowances.

"The workers have made it clear: until these benefits are paid, they will continue their protest," Alpha said. "We have engaged with the Commission on multiple occasions, but nothing has been done."

Tensions escalated when officers from the Liberia National Police visited the protest site in an attempt to restore order. Despite this, NEC workers stood firm in their demands, refusing to end the protest until their issues are addressed.

The workers have also called for the Chairperson of the NEC, Madam Davidetta Brown Lassana, to take immediate action to ensure transparency and fairness in the allocation of funds.

Workers Demand Action on Surplus Funds and Unpaid Benefits

In response to the ongoing protests, the workers have signed a resolution urging the NEC's Board of Commissioners to address the critical financial issues. The resolution demands that a committee be established to determine the allocation of surplus funds from the 2023 elections.

Among the key concerns outlined in the resolution are the unpaid hazard allowances, lack of insurance benefits, and other financial entitlements dating back to the general and presidential elections. A central issue is the reported US$8 million surplus from the 2023 elections, which has fueled suspicions among workers regarding the allocation and distribution of funds.

The workers have vowed to continue their protests until they receive a clear response and satisfactory resolution to these pressing issues.