MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The co-chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC), Madam Teplah Reeves, has reportedly directed the NEC’s security department to deny suspended Chairperson Davidetta Browne-Lansanah access to the Commission’s premises. Madam Reeves’ instruction issued on Saturday, January 25, 2025, outlined in an internal memo, remains in effect until further notice from the Executive Mansion.
The decision follows President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s indefinite suspension of Madam Browne-Lansanah on January 15, 2025, over alleged violations of the Elections Law. According to an Executive Mansion press release, the suspension was prompted by an investigation into protests staged by NEC employees who accused the Chairperson of taking administrative actions without proper consultation.
The findings of the investigation revealed that Madam Browne-Lansanah unilaterally decided to close the NEC office for one month and dismissed 25 employees without consulting the NEC Board of Commissioners, as mandated by law. President Boakai cited Section 2.1 and Section 2.10(d) of the Elections Law, which require that key decisions concerning NEC operations be made collectively by the Board rather than by any individual member.
“While the committee constituted to investigate the grievances of NEC workers was actively addressing the matter, Madam Browne-Lansanah took precipitous and unilateral actions, thereby undermining the integrity and stability of the institution,” the President stated.
The President expressed concerns that Madam Browne-Lansanah’s actions could harm the NEC’s capacity to conduct upcoming by-elections within the next two months, as well as create a toxic working environment within the Commission.
