President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has suspended National Elections Commission Chairperson Davidetta 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 Executive Mansion, President Boakai said the suspension follows an investigation into recent protests by aggrieved NEC workers regarding administrative decisions taken without proper consultation.
The Liberia leader said according to the findings, NEC Boss unilaterally announced the closure of the NEC office for one month and dismissed 25 employees without the knowledge or approval of the NEC 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.
