The Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC), Jonathan K. Weedor, on Wednesday 17 June 2026, led the launch of the second phase of regional consultations on the Commission’s draft Communications Strategy, Policy and Protocol in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, reaffirming the NEC’s commitment to strengthening institutional communication across Liberia.

The three-day consultation brings together 27 participants, including NEC Magistrates from eight counties, managers of community radio stations, and representatives of key media and civil society organizations—among them the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJAL), and the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP). 

The forum is reviewing and validating draft documents that will guide the Commission’s public communication before, during, and after elections.

In his opening remarks, Chairperson Weedor underscored that the work of the NEC extends far beyond election day and emphasized that strategic communication is essential to ensuring that Liberians understand the Commission’s ongoing responsibilities throughout the electoral cycle.

“There are many activities that take place before and after elections, yet due to limited public information, some citizens believe the Commission exists only during elections. We must work more closely with the media and civil society to ensure that the public is consistently informed about our work at every stage of the electoral cycle,” Chairperson Weedor stated.

He described the consultation as both timely and necessary, noting that strengthening communication systems is central to improving transparency, building public trust, and advancing democratic governance. 

Weedor further highlighted the Commission’s commitment to expanding access to information and institutionalizing continuous civic and voter education, noting that the Commission’s role goes beyond election day.

“Public information should be a cardinal priority… We rely on the media and civil society to reach every corner of Liberia.”

The NEC Chairperson also commended the Liberia Electoral Support Project, describing it as “a reliable partner” in supporting Liberia’s democratic development. He expressed confidence that ongoing collaboration will further strengthen the capacity of the NEC to engage citizens effectively.

He noted that recommendations from these regional engagements will inform the finalization of the NEC Communications Strategy, Policy and Protocol, providing a stronger and more coordinated framework for stakeholder engagement and public communication nationwide.

The consultation, supported under the Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP) managed by UNDP in partnership with UN Women, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), and the NEC, with funding from the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden—serves as an important platform for dialogue between the Commission, media actors, and civil society organizations.

Speaking during the session, the LESP Communications Specialist Mambu James Kpargoi, on behalf of the project, reaffirmed continued support to the NEC in building a robust and sustainable communication system that promotes transparency, counters misinformation, and strengthens public trust between elections.

Media stakeholders also welcomed the initiative. Speaking on behalf of the Press Union of Liberia, its President Julius Kanubah, emphasized the critical role of the media in strengthening the credibility of electoral institutions, while Varnetta Johnson Freeman of FeJAL highlighted the importance of accurate, balanced, and timely reporting in fostering peaceful and inclusive elections.

The ongoing consultation in Buchanan follows an earlier session held in Ganta, Nimba County.

The Liberia Electoral Support Project continues to support national institutions and processes aimed at promoting inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance across Liberia.

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