Published: January 9, 2026
MONROVIA — The National Elections Commission of Liberia has condemned a protest staged at its Upper Bong County Magisterial Office, describing the action as unlawful interference with the commission’s constitutional mandate and a misrepresentation of Liberia’s elections law. In a statement issued Thursday, the commission said a group of young people on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, went to the Upper Bong County office, posted placards on the premises and made what NEC termed “disparaging and unsubstantiated claims” demanding that elections magistrates or officers be appointed only from the counties to which they are assigned.
The NEC categorically rejected the claim, calling it false, misleading and unsupported by the Elections Law of Liberia. “The authority of the NEC to appoint elections magistrates is strictly administrative and organizational,” the commission said. “It is aimed at ensuring the efficient, transparent and credible conduct of electoral activities across all counties and electoral districts.” According to the NEC, the law does not require that magistrates be natives of the counties where they serve, and no such condition exists under Liberia’s electoral framework.
The Commission said it “strongly denounces and condemns” any actions by individuals or groups that interfere with its lawful functions as Liberia’s independent electoral management body. The statement also defended the appointment of the current Upper Bong County elections magistrate, Alfred W. Tokpa, describing him as a seasoned and long-serving NEC staff member who previously served as a regional coordinator. “His appointment was carried out in full compliance with the Elections Law,” the commission said, adding that Tokpa meets all required qualifications and exemplifies the professional standards and core values of the NEC.
The Commission cautioned individuals and groups against engaging in activities that could disrupt the normal operations of NEC offices nationwide. It warned that any recurrence of similar actions at the Upper Bong County Magisterial Office or elsewhere would compel the commission to pursue legal remedies. “Those involved will face the full weight of the law,” the statement said. The NEC reaffirmed its commitment to independence, credibility, transparency and professionalism in administering public elections throughout Liberia.
Protesters Disagree with NEC
While the aggrieved residents of Bong County, mainly in the City of Gbaranga did not provide any legal backing to justify their action against the NEC’s preferment of Tokpa, the group said their action was based on moral grounds and as common sense.
The protesters issued a one week ultimatum to the National Elections Commission to recall Alfred W. Tokpa as senior elections magistrate for upper Bong and appoint a qualified son of the county to the post. The group on Wednesday marched to the Gbarnga administration building holding banner and chanting the removal of Alfred Tokpa, a demonstration that drew attention and caused several staffers to leave their offices to observe the situation.
In a 10-count petition read by Franklin Flomo and submitted to office of Bong County superintendent Hawa L. Norris, the aggrieved citizens expressed strong dissatisfaction over Tokpa’s appointment, alleging that NEC authorities manipulated the vetting process to ensure his selection. According to the petitioners, Tokpa lacks familiarity with Bong County.
“He has no history of working in the county, does not know its towns and villages, and does not speak Kpelleh” claims they say make him unfit for the position.
The citizens further alleged that although the NEC internally advertised the vacancy between August 7 and August 15, 2025, the process lacked transparency. They claim the announcement was posted only on a bulletin board at NEC headquarters rather than on the commission’s official website; thereby, limiting access for interested applicants from Bong County. They added that several sons and daughters of the county who applied were not shortlisted, despite possessing years of electoral experience. “The vetting process was not transparent given that sons of Bong County applied but were not shortlisted”, the petitioners noted.
The position became vacant following the death of former Magistrate Daniel G. Newland on August 3, 2024. The petitioners said the prolonged delay in filling the post raised concerns about electoral administration in the politically sensitive region. They also accused NEC of overlooking experienced electoral workers from Upper Bong, including individuals with more than 14 years of service, in favor of an outsider. ”Qualified and experienced sons and daughters of Bong County were deprived of the position and given to a stranger who is on record for electoral fraud. He holds bribery and keeping him in this position would ruin the credibility of NEC” they said.
The aggrieved residents further alleged that Tokpa has previously faced resistance in assignments in Grand Gedeh and Nimba counties over alleged unethical conduct, suggesting this raises doubts about his ability to manage future elections — including the 2029 polls.
”Afred Tokpa was rejected upon his appointment to Nimba by the citizens due to his immoral behavior and lack of connection to the people”, they said. The citizens described his appointment in September 2025 by NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne-Lansanah as “controversial,” insisting it was neither fair nor transparent.
The group urged NEC to uphold the will of the people and protect the integrity of elections in Bong County, while reaffirming their commitment to maintaining peace. Receiving the petition on behalf of Superintendent Norris, County Development Officer Sedeki Kromah assured the citizens that their concerns would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities and promised a response in the coming days. He urged them to remain calm and await an official communication from the NEC.
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