The National Elections Commission (NEC), with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on April 23, 2026, presented a detailed progress update to its Board of Commissioners on the development of a new, modernized corporate website, an important milestone in the Commission’s digital transformation agenda.

The presentation followed an intensive ten-day, hands-on capacity-building training for NEC staff and builds on a series of assessments, consultations, and technical working sessions conducted since December 2025. 

Collectively, these efforts aim to strengthen the Commission’s digital infrastructure, internal systems, and public communication capacity.

The website modernization initiative is supported by the European Union and the Governments of Sweden and Ireland through the Liberia Electoral Support Project.

Developed through a participatory and capacity-strengthening approach, the new website represents a significant institutional shift for the NEC—moving toward full ownership of its digital platforms, improved accessibility of information, and stronger public engagement.

The platform is designed to provide timely, accurate, and user-friendly access to electoral information, including election results, official announcements, institutional data, and voter education materials.

Speaking during the session, Acting Chairperson of the NEC, Mr. Jonathan K. Weedor, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to digital transformation as a strategic priority.

“Digital transformation is not optional. It is the most strategic path forward for the Commission. We must ensure that electoral information is accessible, timely, and available to citizens wherever they are. This is how we build trust and strengthen accountability,” Mr. Weedor said. 

He emphasized the broader institutional impact of the initiative, noting that digitizing NEC systems will significantly improve operational efficiency and public service delivery.

“We deeply appreciate the continued support of UNDP and our development partners, whose contributions remain critical to strengthening the NEC’s institutional capacity,” he added.

The Acting Chairperson also commended the technical team and trainees for their dedication.

“Your success is the success of the Commission. What you are building will define how the public engages with us. The Board fully supports this process and looks forward to its successful completion.”

Delivering remarks on behalf of UNDP, Mr. Aagon Tingba of the Liberia Electoral Support Project underscored the strategic importance of the website modernization initiative.

“This initiative is central to improving public access to information, strengthening transparency, and ensuring citizens receive timely and accurate updates on electoral processes. What is especially significant is the strong focus on building NEC’s internal capacity so the Commission is not only using the platform but fully managing and sustaining it independently,” Tingba noted. 

He highlighted the progress achieved during the training as evidence of effective knowledge transfer and institutional readiness.

“The skills demonstrated by the NEC team reflect real progress. Staff are now able to manage content, structure information, and operate the platform in ways that were not possible before. We are confident the final product will be a dynamic, accessible, and state-of-the-art platform for both stakeholders and the public.”

Providing the technical overview, UNDP Project ICT Systems and Website Development Specialist and training facilitator, Evrard Kouadio, reported that development of the website is nearing completion.

“Over the past ten days, NEC staff have undergone intensive, hands-on training covering all aspects of building and managing a corporate website from infrastructure and system setup to content management and publication workflows. Today, each participant can independently install, configure, and manage the website environment,” Kouadio explained.

He added that approximately 80 percent of the development process has been completed, including six of eight training modules and multiple practical exercises.

“The team is now capable of publishing professional content, managing media libraries, structuring navigation, and organizing information in ways that significantly enhance the user experience,” he said.

A live demonstration of the new website led by NEC staff highlighted significant improvements, including:

• A modernized user interface and improved navigation
• Prominent display of priority information such as election results and official announcements
• Integrated news and media sections with real-time updates
• Enhanced search functionality and content categorization
• Interactive features, including FAQs and messaging tools and 
• A comprehensive digital archive and institutional information database

The platform also introduces dynamic content management features, enabling the NEC to adjust information priorities in line with electoral cycles and public information needs.

The new NEC website is expected to be finalized and launched in phases, providing a secure, accessible, and fully NEC-managed digital platform to support electoral transparency, voter information, and public confidence.

The Liberia Electoral Support Project supports national institutions and processes to promote inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance. 

It is managed by UNDP and implemented in partnership with UN Women, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, and the NEC, with support from the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden.

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