MONROVIA – A new nationwide post-election survey has revealed that 91 percent of Liberians trust the National Elections Commission (NEC) to conduct free and fair elections, reaffirming strong public confidence in the electoral body following the 2023 general polls.
The survey, titled Public Perceptions of Elections and Women’s Political Participation in Liberia, was commissioned by the NEC with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP) and international partners, including the European Union, Irish Aid, and the Embassy of Sweden. It was conducted by Liberia’s Business Start-up Center (BSC) and captured the views of 2,650 eligible voters across all 15 counties between May and June 2024.
NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne Lansanah welcomed the findings as an encouraging signal of public trust in the commission’s work. “Following the successful conduct of the 2023 General Elections, we are encouraged to know that most Liberians believe in the NEC’s ability to deliver quality elections,” she said. However, she acknowledged the concerns of the nine percent who expressed distrust, stating, “We take seriously that one in ten Liberians expects us to do better, and we will.”
The survey also revealed broad public approval of the biometric voter registration (BVR) system introduced during the 2023 elections, with 88 percent of respondents saying it enhanced the credibility of the voter roll. Still, 18 percent of respondents believed that Liberia was not fully prepared for the BVR rollout, pointing to gaps in voter education and infrastructure.
To address these concerns, Chairperson Browne Lansanah highlighted the NEC’s expanded Civic and Voter Education (CVE) efforts, noting that the commission and its 83 CVE cells have intensified community outreach to bridge informational gaps.
On the experience of voters during election day, the survey painted a largely positive picture. An overwhelming 94 percent of respondents reported satisfaction with the process: 27 percent were very satisfied, 54 percent satisfied, and 13 percent somewhat satisfied. Only six percent of respondents were either dissatisfied or indifferent.
NEC Commissioner Ernestine Morgan Anwar described the findings as a reflection of the commission’s commitment to voter safety and transparency. “This positive experience sets a high standard; we pledge to do our utmost to ensure that Liberians continue to vote safely and securely,” she stated.
Beyond voter satisfaction, the survey examined the inclusivity of Liberia’s democratic process. It found that only 57 percent of respondents considered voting precincts accessible to persons with disabilities, pointing to lingering barriers for marginalized groups. The report also identified persistent challenges facing women in political participation and public office, particularly in communities where societal norms and limited opportunities continue to undermine gender equity.
Katherine Green, Chief Technical Adviser of UNDP-LESP, noted the importance of the findings. “This survey is useful in highlighting a few areas of concern for citizens as well as areas where NEC could strengthen its communications to voters,” she said. “Overall, it validates the success of the electoral process.”
Marie Paul Neuville of the European Union Delegation described the effort as “a commendable example of teamwork” between Liberian institutions and international partners, emphasizing that public perception is key to the legitimacy of any election.
The survey employed a scientific research methodology to ensure statistical reliability, with respondents selected randomly to reflect gender, age, location, and disability status. The findings will support NEC’s review of the 2023 elections and help refine its communications and planning strategies ahead of future electoral events.
The UNDP LESP project, which helped facilitate the survey, is co-funded by the European Union, Irish Aid, Sweden, and UNDP, and is implemented in partnership with the NEC, UN Women, and the Netherlands Institute for Multi-Party Democracy. It aims to promote an inclusive, participatory, and accountable democratic process in Liberia.
