President Joseph N. Boakai has lifted the suspension of Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah as Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC), with immediate effect.
According to an Executive Mansion release dated February 20, 2025, the decision was reached following a high-level meeting Wednesday, February 18, 2025 at the Executive Mansion, which was attended by the NEC Board of Commissioners, the ECOWAS Ambassador to Liberia, and senior officials of the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs.
The reinstatement of Chairperson Browne-Lansanah comes after a series of extensive discussions among NEC Commissioners and senior advisors to the President, leading to an agreement on enhanced cooperation among the Commissioners and the reversal of dismissal actions previously taken against certain NEC employees.
In reinstating Chairperson Lansanah, President Boakai emphasized the importance of unity and professionalism within the NEC. He urged the Commissioners to foster closer collaboration and avoid any perception of internal discord within an institution that holds significant public trust.
The President further called for renewed efforts to restore harmony between the Commission’s leadership and its staff.
Additionally, President Boakai has agreed to meet with the leadership of the NEC aggrieved workers at a future date to address concerns raised in a petition submitted to his office following a demonstration in December 2024.
He encouraged NEC employees to continue supporting the Commission’s work while maintaining a peaceful and cooperative approach.
With this resolution, President Boakai expressed the hope that the uncertainty surrounding the NEC has been addressed, clearing the way for the smooth conduct of the upcoming Nimba County by-election to fill the vacancy left as a result of the passing of Senator Prince Y. Johnson.
The President reiterated his unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity of the NEC and ensuring the credibility of Liberia’s democratic processes.
It can be recalled that President Boakai suspended Madam Browne-Lansanah for an indefinite period following actions deemed disruptive to public order and stability.
In a release issued on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 by the Executive Mansion, President Boakai said the suspension follows an investigation into protests by aggrieved NEC workers regarding administrative decisions taken without proper consultation.
The Liberia leader said according to the findings, the NEC boss unilaterally announced the closure of the NEC office for one month and dismissed 25 employees without the knowledge or approval of the Board of Commissioners, as required by law.
The President cited Section 2.1 and Section 2.10(d) of the 1986 New Elections Law, which vests the authority to conduct NEC’s affairs in the Board of Commissioners as a collective body.
“The law mandates that decisions involving corrective measures against employees must be taken in consultation with the Board, not by the chairperson or any individual commissioner acting alone,” President Boakai said.
According to him, 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 expressed concern that such actions could adversely impact the NEC’s ability to conduct by-elections scheduled within the next two months, while also creating a toxic working environment at the commission.
