President Boakai Reinstates NEC Chairperson, Stresses Unity Ahead of Nimba County Senatorial By-Election

Monrovia, Liberia: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has reinstated Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah as Chairperson of Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC), effective immediately, following her suspension. The decision, announced in a press release from the Office of the Presidential Press Secretary on today.   

According to the release, the reversal came after a high-level meeting on February 18 at the Executive Mansion, attended by NEC commissioners, the ECOWAS Ambassador to Liberia, and senior government officials. The discussions resulted in an agreement to enhance cooperation among commissioners and reinstate employees previously dismissed.

“President Boakai emphasized the importance of unity and professionalism within the NEC,” the statement noted, urging commissioners to “avoid any perception of internal discord” in an institution critical to public trust. The President also called for renewed efforts to harmonize relations between NEC leadership and staff.

Additionally, the release disclosed that President Boakai will meet with aggrieved NEC workers who staged protests in December 2024. The workers had submitted a petition outlining grievances, which the President pledged to address. He encouraged employees to maintain “a peaceful and cooperative approach” while supporting the commission’s operations.

The resolution aims to clear uncertainties surrounding the NEC, particularly as Liberia prepares for the Nimba County by-election to fill the vacancy left by the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson. The President reiterated his “unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity of the NEC and ensuring the credibility of Liberia’s democratic processes,” as stated in the signed release by Presidential Press Secretary Atty. Kula Bonah Nyei Fofana.