Published: October 11, 2024
MONROVIA — As the Liberia Elections Observation Network (LEON) marked the first anniversary of the 2023 Presidential and Legislative Elections with the release of its Electoral Cycle Observation Report, the institution’s four-member steering committee outlined critical recommendations for the national government, including a thorough review and reform of the 1986 Constitution (Amended 2011).
The report was launched on Wednesday, October 10, 2024, in Monrovia, gathering representatives from civil society organizations, the media, and LEON’s international and donor partners. The recommendations were detailed during the event by committee heads: Ambassador Juli Endee, Executive Director of Liberia Crusaders for Peace (LCP); Pilate Johnson, Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) Regional Coordinator; Peter B. K. Flomo, President of the National Union of Organizations of the Disabled (NUOD); and Banica S. Elliot, President of the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY).
The committee’s proposals emphasized the need for constitutional reform to better address political, electoral, and societal needs. They urged the government to address instances of electoral violence, manipulation, and malpractice, including the theft of ballot boxes in Nimba County during the 2023 general elections. This action, they argue, would help deter illegal behavior in future electoral cycles.
Additionally, LEON called on the 55th Legislature to initiate a review process for reforming constitutional provisions related to presidential and legislative elections, including term limits, diaspora voting, and election dates, well ahead of the 2029 electoral cycle.
The institution also recommended that the legislature evaluate the 2022 national census results to establish a new population threshold for the National Elections Commission (NEC) to use in defining electoral constituencies, aiming for completion by the end of 2025 to avoid political interference during election periods.
“Legislators should champion the rights of women and persons with disabilities in electoral processes by adopting special measures such as gender quotas or reserved seats to promote greater gender equity and social inclusion,” the committee stated.
LEON also suggested a comprehensive process for reviewing and redrafting the 1986 Constitution (Amended 2011) to modernize and strengthen the consolidation of democracy and governance in Liberia.
To the National Elections Commission, the committee advised a review of the electoral legal framework and internal regulations to improve the electoral system and administration. They encouraged civil society organizations to work with government, legislative, and electoral policymakers to advocate for electoral reforms based on the lessons learned from the 2023 elections to enhance transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and fairness.
LEON urged the media and social media outlets to work with NEC and other entities to enhance public understanding of the electoral process, establish effective communication strategies, and counter misinformation that could lead to unrest.
The institution called on political parties and citizens to maintain Liberia’s electoral integrity by abstaining from undemocratic behaviors such as buying or selling voter cards and distributing or receiving money and other items to influence voters.
It also called for the national government and Liberian National Police to provide adequate resources to county-based police and security forces throughout the electoral cycle to manage security incidents effectively.
LEON urged the international community to bolster support for civil society organizations and citizen-led initiatives to enhance their capacity to monitor, report, and advocate for improved democratic governance practices in Liberia.
In her opening remarks, Madam Nikolina Stalhand, Program Officer for the Swedish International Development and Cooperation Agency (SIDA), representing the Swedish Embassy, lauded LEON for covering the full electoral cycle of the 2023 elections. She noted the need to address boundary delimitation, women’s political participation, and uncertainties around electoral law before these issues become politicized as the next election approaches.
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