Published: January 20, 2025
MONROVIA – Workers at the National Elections Commission (NEC) have accused Dr. Augustine Konneh, an advisor to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, of being a central figure in alleged conspiracies involving NEC Executive Director Anthony K. Sengbe and Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan. The employees claim that Dr. Konneh is orchestrating behind-the-scenes efforts to undermine the President’s attempts to rescue the NEC from alleged mismanagement.
The workers allege that the collaboration between Sengbe and Ngafuan, who they describe as having a longstanding relationship, has deepened the leadership crisis at the NEC. They report that operations at the Commission have been paralyzed for nearly three months, with international partners, including the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), scaling down their activities due to the deteriorating work environment.
The President recently suspended NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne Lansanah, a move the workers have welcomed as necessary to restore stability. They argue that Lansanah’s leadership was marked by authoritarianism and corruption, noting that she was previously indicted by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC). The workers further criticized her management style, which they say stifled dissent, sidelined other commissioners, and marginalized staff.
“Over the past five years, the workforce has endured authoritarian rule under Madam Lansanah. Opinions expressed in meetings were treated as affronts, often resulting in investigations and dismissals,” one worker alleged. They also claimed that official NEC travels and staff transfers were conducted unilaterally by the Chairperson, with little to no consultation or reporting to the Board.
The employees called for a comprehensive audit of the NEC’s accounts to address alleged financial improprieties. They also warned against political interference by individuals close to the Presidency, singling out Dr. Konneh for allegedly brokering deals between Executive Director Sengbe and Finance Minister Ngafuan.
In defending President Boakai’s suspension of Lansanah, the workers said, “The President acted within his legal authority, as the law provides for the removal of the NEC Chairperson for cause. The suspension has brought relief to the workforce, especially the 25 dismissed employees.”
Despite public criticism of the President’s decision, the employees believe it is justified, citing concerns about leadership failure and workplace toxicity under Lansanah. They urged the government to move swiftly to stabilize the NEC ahead of critical electoral processes.
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