The Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) has urged the National Elections Commission (NEC) to prioritize prompt payment of the Civil Voters Education (CVE) Cells workers.
EISA, who deployed a six-member Short-term Technical Election Observation Mission to assess and report on all aspects of the 2024 legislative by-elections in Nimba County and Grand Gedeh Electoral District #1, said the NEC should sustain the use of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) as CVE cells, ensure prompt payment for their services and build their capacity not only for voter education but also for civic education and engagement.
EISA-Liberia Acting Country Director, Madam Antonetta Hamandishe recommended that the Commission should ensure proper monitoring of the activities of the CVE cells for improved services and a stronger impact.
Madam Hamandishe narrated that providing customized training to female candidates that encompasses media preparation and guidance on addressing public perceptions and image management.
According to her, the NEC should communicate and present timely campaign schedules to NEC workers and LNP to enable law enforcement officers prepare for the campaign period.
“Recruit and continue to provide financial assistance to women aspirants who would not otherwise be able to afford the cost of participating in elections and clarify to their party agents or representatives what they can and cannot do during poll watching and enlightening them on utilizing the complaint forms efficiently to reduce the chances of confrontation,” she noted.
EISA-Liberia’s Acting Country Director stated that the institution’s recommendations are to improve future elections in Liberia.
Hamandishe indicated that despite the noticeable low turnout on the by-election day, EISA acknowledges constructive efforts made collectively by the relevant national electoral stakeholders in preparation for the by-elections.
“EISA hails the commitment to democratic consolidation marked by adequate preparations by NEC and LNP, respect and tolerance among competing political parties, and continuous monitoring and support from domestic and international observer groups, alongside the diplomatic community,” she said.
EISA, according to her, is a continental not-for-profit organization located in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire with field offices in the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Madagascar, Niger, Liberia, Chad, and Sudan.
The electoral body has continental and sub-regional programs in the field of elections and democracy throughout Africa.
She said EISA strives for excellence in the promotion of credible elections, domestic participation, and the strengthening of political institutions for sustainable democracy in Africa.
The USAID-funded EISA International Election Observation Mission (EISA-IEOM) Activity seeks to enhance the integrity of the 2023 Liberia Presidential and Legislative elections through the deployment of an independent international election observer mission (EOM) to monitor, assess and report on all phases of the electoral process by international and regional benchmarks.
The IEOM is implemented in close coordination with the financial support of USAID/Liberia and will complement the efforts of other electoral stakeholders.
