MONROVIA – The National Elections Commission (NEC) has reportedly dismissed several staff members following their recent protest against the institution. While unofficial sources estimate the number of terminated employees to be between 40 and 70, NEC’s communications department has denied knowledge of the terminations.
A letter dated Monday, December 2, 2024, titled “Termination of Employment”, accused the dismissed workers of gross insubordination and disrespect toward the office of NEC Chairperson Madam Davidetta Brown-Lassannah. The letter stated:
“You are hereby dismissed, effective immediately, for having shown disrespect and gross insubordination to the Office of the Chairperson. During the period of November 12 – 24, 2024, you left your area of assignment, blocked the Commission’s entrances, and prevented the Chairperson from entering to carry out her duties. Furthermore, this action of yours obstructed the functions of the Commission, paralyzed its operations, and negatively impacted the image of the Commission.”
The directive, signed by Human Resource Director Hauline G. Korkoyah and approved by Executive Director Anthony K. Sengbe, also instructed the dismissed staff to return all NEC property in their possession immediately.
The terminations follow a protest by NEC employees on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, during which workers chanted slogans, beat drums, and demanded overdue salaries and benefits. The protesters accused the NEC of corruption and failure to fulfill its financial obligations to staff.
This unrest coincides with a critical report from the Center for Development and Election Management (CEDEM), which highlighted significant issues with Liberia’s electoral process. The report, obtained by Verity Online News, accused the NEC of widespread irregularities that undermined the credibility of the 2023 elections.
CEDEM’s findings challenge assertions that the elections adhered to democratic standards, citing the NEC’s lack of competence, integrity, and neutrality. The report also questioned the handling of the $53 million budget for the 2023 elections, particularly the $5 million allocated for civic and voter education, which CEDEM claims had minimal impact. Recommendations included a comprehensive audit, reforms to electoral laws, and the appointment of an interim leadership team to restore public confidence in the commission.
In addition to the financial and administrative concerns, NEC employees have called for the suspension of Madam Brown-Lassannah, citing poor working conditions, mismanagement, and budgetary opacity. In a petition submitted to the Legislature and the Executive Branch, they detailed their grievances, including claims that 11 NEC employees died while on duty due to unsafe working conditions.
Madam Brown-Lassannah has denied the allegations, describing the institution’s challenges as exaggerated. However, calls for her suspension and mounting dissatisfaction among NEC staff have intensified public scrutiny of the commission’s leadership.
Amid these internal conflicts, CEDEM continues to advocate for urgent electoral reforms. Key recommendations include an in-depth audit of NEC’s operations, alignment of electoral laws with international standards, and enhanced transparency to rebuild trust in Liberia’s electoral system.
