The National Elections Commission (NEC) has commenced the second and final phase of its nationwide county-to-county consultations on electoral law reform. The exercise continues simultaneously from November 19 in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, and Bopolu, Gbarpolu County, following its official launch on November 17, in Voinjama, Lofa County.

The consultations, which began on November 7 in Greenville, Sinoe County, are being conducted in collaboration with the UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP), with support from the European Union (EU), Irish Aid, and Sweden. The first phase of the nationwide exercise was held across eight counties which are Maryland, Grand Kru, River Gee, Grand Gedeh, Sinoe, Rivercess, Grand Bassa, and Margibi, covering the southeastern and south-central regions of Liberia.

The ongoing second phase will continue across the remaining counties, including Bong, Bomi, Montserrado and Grand Cape Mount, ensuring that the law reform process remains truly national, inclusive, and reflective of all Liberian voices.

The nationwide programme aims to ensure broad citizen participation in reviewing Liberia’s electoral laws, drawing lessons from the 2023 General Elections and subsequent by-elections, as well as identifying reforms that reflect the aspirations of Liberians while aligning with international electoral good practices.

Speaking at the opening ceremony in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, Commissioner Barsi Leo Kpangbai underscored that strengthening Liberia’s electoral process begins with improving the legal framework, noting that “when we have a good law, we improve and elevate our democracy.” He expressed confidence that the consultations would generate meaningful insights from citizens, and that will help to shape comprehensive reforms. Commissioner Kpangbai reaffirmed NEC’s unwavering commitment to advancing Liberia’s democratic system.

Also speaking, Commissioner Floyd Oxley Sayor praised the diverse cross-section of participants, describing the broad representation as encouraging and essential for generating high-quality outcomes. He emphasized that the NEC looks forward to receiving the recommendations gathered, as citizen’s contributions are critical inputs for strengthening the country’s electoral system.

In his remarks during the launch in Voinjama, Mr. Anthony Sengbe, Executive Director of the NEC, emphasized that the consultations are intended to ensure that Liberians directly shape the laws governing their elections.

“We are here to listen to you so that you can make inputs in the electoral process as we move forward. The recommendations you make today will be incorporated into the reform agenda. At the end of the day, you are the ones who participate in elections, and the decisions you make will go a long way in determining the future of this country. 

Mr Sengbe further noted that the goal of the reform exercise is to build trust among voters, stakeholders, and the NEC.

“The Commission wants to be open, transparent, and accountable to the people so that by the time we get to 2029, the elections will be far advanced and even better than 2023,” he added.

Delivering remarks on behalf of UNDP, Counsellor Aagon Tingba, the LESP Political Parties Campaign Finance Specialist, urged citizens to assume full ownership of the reform process, saying “Electoral laws are created for you, but they are also created by you.” He further stressed, “Your contributions today will help strengthen Liberia’s democracy for generations to come.”

He encouraged participants to provide clear, practical recommendations on voter registration, vote counting, results tabulation, electoral dispute resolution, civic and voter education, political campaigns, electoral violence, and women’s inclusion.

Counsellor Luther J. Sumo, County Attorney of Lofa County, commended the NEC for bringing the reform consultations to the county.

“Today is your time,” he told participants. “You have observed and participated in various elections. You know what works and what does not. With the level of representation in this hall, we believe the outcome will be meaningful.” He also highlighted the broader democratic value of consultations in collective discussion of ideas to reach consensus.

The nationwide consultations bring together local authorities, traditional leaders, civil society and Community-Based Organizations, youth and women’s groups, persons with disabilities, religious leaders, the media, and the joint security sector, among others.

Participants are reviewing the 2019 electoral reform proposals, discussing key findings from the 2023 elections, and identifying priority areas for amendment. Through breakout sessions and citizen-led discussions, the process ensures that reform recommendations are transparent, evidence-based, and reflective of national realities.

The consultations also aim to strengthen collaboration among electoral stakeholders and build public trust in the electoral process, ultimately enabling the NEC to submit timely reform proposals to the Legislature ahead of future elections.

The Liberia Electoral Support Project works to promote inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance in Liberia. 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.