Liberia President suspends electoral commission chief

By Kemo Cham, MONROVIA Liberia

President of Liberia, Joseph Boakai has suspended the head of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) of Liberian, Mrs Davidetta Browne-Lansanah indefinitely.

According to a statement from the presidency on Wednesday she is accused of violating the country’s electoral laws.

Her suspension follows an investigation into recent protests by NEC workers regarding administrative decisions taken without proper consultation, the statement said.

Madam Browne-Lansanah, who was appointed by former President George Weah, presided over the elections that saw Boakai defeated Weah. Her administration had been faced with protests by some employees of the Commission who were calling for her resignation over alleged corruption and lack of accountability.

She is accused of unilaterally announcing the closure of the NEC office and dismissing 25 employees without the knowledge or approval of the NEC Board of Commissioners.

The government had set up the committee to investigate the issue.

“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,” President Boakai is quoted in the statement.

He also reportedly 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.

“The Government of Liberia remains committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in all institutions, particularly the NEC, which plays a critical role in upholding Liberia’s democratic principles,” the statement signed by Presidential Press Secretary, Kula Bonah Nyei Fofana, reads.