The National Elections Commission (NEC) of Liberia has officially launched its strategic planning process for the 2026–2030 period, beginning with a two-day Visioning Workshop held from October 23–24 in Monrovia, followed by the first Regional Strategic Plan Workshop on October 27–28 in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.

Held under the theme “Shaping the Future of Electoral Excellence in Liberia: A Shared Vision for 2030,” both workshops are supported by the UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project, with funding from the European Union, IrishAid, and Sweden. The initiative aims to develop a unified institutional vision that strengthens NEC’s effectiveness, promotes professionalism and accountability, and enhances inclusivity in the electoral process, in alignment with Liberia’s national development priorities.

The Visioning Workshop convened NEC’s Board of Commissioners, Directors, and senior staff to define the institution’s vision, mission, and core values. Participants also identified strategic goals to guide institutional reform, capacity building, and improved service delivery over the next five years.

In her opening remarks, NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne Lansanah described the Strategic Plan as a roadmap for strengthening democratic governance:

“This workshop is not just about planning, but a call to action and a commitment to Liberia’s democratic future,” she stated.
“As we look ahead to the 2029 General Elections, our responsibility becomes even more crucial. The next five years will present both challenges and opportunities that demand innovation, adaptability, and foresight.”

The Buchanan Regional Workshop brought together Elections Magistrates, Assistant Magistrates, Regional Coordinators, and Logistics Officers from nine counties—Bomi, Gbarpolu, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Margibi, Lower and Upper Montserrado, River Cess, and Sinoe. Their contributions are helping shape NEC’s strategic priorities and ensure regional perspectives are reflected in the plan.

The second phase of regional consultations will take place in Ganta, Nimba County, from October 30–31, engaging participants from Bong, Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, Lofa, Maryland, Nimba, and River Gee Counties.

In addition to internal consultations, NEC will engage external stakeholders—including civil society organizations, political parties, and international partners—to ensure broad-based ownership and alignment with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.

UNDP Programme Officer Roosevelt Zayzay commended NEC’s proactive leadership and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting inclusive and transparent electoral processes. National consultant Dala Karkoyah, engaged by UNDP to support the process, praised participants’ dedication to building a stronger, more credible electoral institution.

The Liberia Electoral Support Project is managed by UNDP and implemented in partnership with UN Women, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, and NEC, with financial support from the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden.