NEW YORK – Deputy Permanent Representative of Liberia to the United Nations, Baba Sillah, delivered a compelling opening statement at a high-level roundtable on November 5, 2025, hosted by the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the UN, the Electoral Assistance Division of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The discussion, themed “UN Electoral Assistance in a Changing World – Relevance, Impact, and the Road Ahead,” focused on the evolving role of the United Nations in strengthening electoral processes worldwide.
Addressing fellow diplomats and stakeholders, Sillah emphasized the urgency of the discussion at a time when democratic systems globally face growing strain. At a time when democratic systems around the world are under growing strain, from disinformation and polarization to conflict and declining public trust, our discussion today could not be more urgent or more relevant,” he said. Highlighting Liberia’s post-conflict journey, he noted that UN support helped the country rebuild electoral institutions, restore the rule of law, and strengthen citizens’ confidence in the democratic process.
Liberia, currently a member of the United Nations Security Council, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting credible, inclusive, and peaceful elections. “Elections are not isolated events, but ongoing processes, requiring technical expertise, political maturity, civic awareness, and above all, local ownership,” Sillah stated, underscoring the importance of sustained engagement beyond individual electoral events.
He outlined three key priorities for future UN electoral assistance: rebuilding and strengthening national electoral systems through long-term capacity building; fostering national ownership by empowering governments, civil society, and community leaders; and integrating electoral support into broader peacebuilding and governance efforts to ensure elections serve as instruments of reconciliation and stability. “The UN’s assistance is most effective when it empowers local actors, including governments, electoral bodies, civil society, and community leaders, to lead the process,” he explained.
Sillah also stressed the importance of sustainable financing for electoral assistance. “Predictable and sustainable funding is essential. Donor contributions remain invaluable, but coordination, transparency, and accountability must guide every partnership. Every dollar invested should strengthen institutions, expand inclusion, and deepen trust in democracy,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Sillah called on all partners to renew their commitment to democratic values. “Let us renew our collective commitment to uphold the values of credibility, transparency, inclusivity, and peace, and to ensure that the United Nations’ electoral assistance remains a beacon of hope for societies striving to build and rebuild democracy in a changing world,” he urged.
The roundtable provided an opportunity for Liberia to share its achievements and challenges, positioning the country as a model for how post-conflict nations can leverage UN support to strengthen electoral institutions and democratic resilience.
