MONROVIA, LIBERIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has announced the indefinite suspension of Madam Davidetta Browne-Lansanah, the Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC), following a series of actions that violated the Elections Law. The suspension, which was confirmed in a press release on Wednesday, January 14, 2025, underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining integrity and accountability in Liberia’s electoral process.
According to the press release, signed by Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana, the suspension stems from an investigation into recent protests by NEC staff members. These protests were fueled by administrative decisions made by Madam Browne-Lansanah without proper consultation. The findings of the investigation revealed that she had taken unilateral actions, including announcing the closure of the NEC office for an entire month and dismissing 25 employees without consulting the NEC Board of Commissioners. These actions were found to be in direct violation of the Elections Law, which mandates that such decisions must be made collectively by the Board of Commissioners.
The Elections Law, specifically Section 2.1 and Section 2.10(d), vests the authority to oversee NEC affairs in the Board of Commissioners, and it stipulates that any decisions regarding employee discipline or corrective actions must be made with the approval of the Board. By acting alone, Madam Browne-Lansanah overstepped her bounds and ignored the legal framework that governs the Commission’s operations. The President’s decision to suspend her comes in light of these violations, which have raised serious concerns about the stability and integrity of the NEC.
In the press release, President Boakai emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability within Liberia’s democratic institutions, particularly the NEC, which plays a vital role in ensuring the fairness and legitimacy of elections. He noted that while the committee formed to investigate the grievances of NEC workers was addressing the issues at hand, Madam Browne-Lansanah’s hasty and unconsulted decisions undermined the ongoing efforts to resolve the disputes. The President expressed deep concern that her actions could potentially disrupt the Commission’s ability to carry out upcoming by-elections, which are scheduled to take place in the next two months.
The suspension of the NEC Chairperson has sent a clear message about the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all actions within public institutions are made with due process and in compliance with the law. The President reiterated that the Government of Liberia will continue to prioritize the independence and credibility of the NEC while addressing internal issues that may hinder its effectiveness.
In addition to the potential impact on the upcoming elections, the President also pointed to the toxic work environment that has been created within the Commission due to the Chairperson’s unilateral actions. Such an environment, according to the President, could erode the morale of NEC employees and hinder their ability to perform their duties effectively. The suspension serves as a necessary step to restore order within the Commission and reinforce the importance of collective decision-making.
The decision to suspend Madam Browne-Lansanah has already generated reactions from various quarters, with some applauding the President’s commitment to transparency, while others question the implications for the NEC’s independence. However, it is clear that the suspension is aimed at ensuring that the Commission operates in line with the law and that all administrative decisions are made through proper consultation and governance structures.
