MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Rule of Law Caucus Chair by Rep. Musa Hassan Bility at the House of Representatives has issued a condemnation of President Joseph Boakai’s decision to unilaterally suspend the Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC), Madam Davidetta Browne-Lansanah. In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the caucus described the action as a dangerous affront to constitutional governance and democratic principles, warning that it threatens to unravel years of hard-fought progress in Liberia’s governance.
“This decision raises profound concerns for those of us committed to the principles of democracy, constitutional governance, and the rule of law,” the caucus declared. “The National Elections Commission was established as a tenured institution under the Constitution precisely to safeguard it from political interference.”
The group emphasized that Liberia’s Constitution grants tenured officers immunity from arbitrary suspension or removal, an issue clarified by the Supreme Court of Liberia. According to the Court, such actions can only be executed through impeachment by the National Legislature. The caucus accused the President of overstepping his authority, warning that his actions undermine the separation of powers and constitutional protections.
“This unilateral suspension is not just a legal misstep; it sends a chilling message about the state of democracy in Liberia,” the statement read. “The Chairperson’s removal calls into question the credibility of our electoral system, which serves as the bedrock of public confidence in governance.”
The suspension of Madam Browne-Lansanah comes on the heels of her oversight of a contentious electoral process, which many viewed as pivotal in maintaining Liberia’s democratic stability. Her suspension, the caucus warned, could destabilize the NEC and erode public trust in the country’s electoral framework, a cornerstone of any democracy.
The caucus also pointed out the broader implications of this decision. “This is not about one individual; it is about the future of governance in Liberia. Undermining the independence of institutions like the NEC places the nation on a precarious path toward authoritarianism,” the statement warned.
The Executive Mansion, through a press release signed by Presidential Press Secretary Madam Kula Bonah Nyei Fofana, justified the suspension. According to the statement, Madam Browne-Lansanah was suspended indefinitely for alleged violations of the Elections Law. These violations included her unilateral closure of the NEC office for a month and the dismissal of 25 employees without the required consultation with the NEC Board of Commissioners.
The President cited Sections 2.1 and 2.10(d) of the Elections Law, which mandate collective decision-making by the Board of Commissioners on significant administrative matters. The release further accused the Chairperson of undermining an ongoing investigation into grievances raised by NEC employees, actions which the President claimed had created a toxic working environment and threatened the Commission’s ability to conduct upcoming by-elections.
While the Executive Mansion framed the suspension as a necessary corrective measure, critics, including the Rule of Law Caucus, viewed it as an unconstitutional overreach. “By bypassing constitutional processes, the President has set a dangerous precedent that could embolden future administrations to erode the independence of other key institutions,” the caucus argued.
The statement by the Rule of Law Caucus concluded with a call for immediate action. “The President must rescind this decision and adhere to constitutional processes. The suspension of the NEC Chairperson without legislative involvement is a grave misstep that risks plunging the country into uncharted territory.”
The caucus also urged the Liberian people to remain vigilant. “Democracy thrives when institutions are strong, independent, and respected. When these institutions are undermined, the very essence of governance is at stake. Let this moment serve as a wake-up call to defend the Constitution, the rule of law, and the democratic values we hold dear.”
