Published: February 10, 2025
MONROVIA – Madam Davidetta Browne-Lansanah, the suspended chairperson of the National Elections Commission appears to have lost support from not only staffers at the headquarters of the Commission but also Election Magistrates across the country.
The Magistrates said they have no part to play in any effort aimed at calling for the reinstatement of the suspended chairman and as such they are taken aback by recent report in the Daily Observer Newspaper which was subsequently aired on Truth 96.1 FM linking them (magistrates) to a purported plan aimed at appealing to President Joseph Nyumah Boakai to reinstate Madam Lansanah.
“This release aims to categorically address and clarify recent allegations published in the Daily Observer Newspaper on February 6, 2025 and subsequently aired on the Truth Breakfast Show on February 7, 2025. These reports have raised concerns among members of the public and key stakeholders in the electoral process, and as such, we find it imperative to set the record straight. The said publication and radio broadcast on Truth FM alleged that 18 Elections Magistrates of the National Elections Commission (NEC) have taken a position in support of the reinstatement of the suspended Chairperson of the Commission, Madam Davidetta Browne-Lansanah. These allegations are not only misleading but also completely false and unfounded,” the Magistrates said.
Their press statement signed by David Logan, senior Elections Magistrate of Grand Bassa County said as dedicated professionals, they are committed to protecting the integrity of the electoral system rather than becoming a party to any conflict related issues.
“…we find such accusations to be both troubling and detrimental to the credibility of our work as we are preparing to conduct the upcoming the Senatorial By-Election in Nimba County.”
Madam Davidetta Browne-Lansanah was suspended by President Boakai for what he termed as the Commission’s disruptive nature, especially following protests from the aggrieved workforce and subsequent mass dismissal of 25 of the employees of the Commission on order of Lansanah.
According to the Magistrates, they are guided by principles of neutrality, impartiality, and professionalism, which form the foundation of their duties and responsibilities.
“Any attempt to associate us with political maneuvering is a direct attack on our integrity and the independence of the Commission,” they said.
Magistrate Logan and his colleagues added in there press statement that the NEC was established by law and anything that is about, even if it concerns an individual working for the Commission, actions taken solely rest with legal and administrative authorities responsible to act.
“It is not within our purview to make such determinations, nor have we engaged in any activity contrary to the rules and ethical standards governing our work,” the Magistrates noted.
They said both the Daily Observer and Truth FM lack any evidence to substantiate their claims in which they reported that magistrates were at any time involved in a plan or have planned to seek the reinstatement of the Commission’s suspended Chairperson.
The Magistrates called on the media to investigate, verify the facts and publish findings as they truly exist.
They demand a retraction of the report by the Daily Observer and Truth FM so as not to give it the credence it does not deserve.
Logan and his fellow magistrates said the integrity of the electoral system is crucial to democracy and that any attempt to tarnish the reputation of election officials poses a significant threat to the credibility of elections in Liberia.
Magistrates are the gate keepers of all electoral processes as they are the direct implementing arm of the National Elections Commission.
“We call on all stakeholders, including the media, civil society organizations, and political actors, to work collaboratively in upholding the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability in the electoral process,” they admonished.
The Magistrates assured that they remain committed to doing what is right in the best interest of the country rather than getting involved with anything that is outside of their duties and responsibilities.
Speaking with Liberian Investigator with preference for anonymity, one the elections magistrates said NEC has long slipped off its true path since Madam Lansanah became chairperson and as such, no one who understands her working style would want to support any effort aimed at reinstating her.
“She has completely misunderstood the New Elections Law, especially on the powers ascribed to the chairman. She understands consultation with fellow commissioners of the Board as a mere word of expression that does not require following due process. She has become overly powerful and that has caused a lot of problems,” the magistrate said.
According to the magistrate, President Boakai has the constitutional right to suspend, dismiss or reinstate but reinstating Madam Lansanah would be a wrong decision because she has lost every respect and working relationship with many, including fellow Commissioners.
“She is an individual. She was hired to serve. Other people served in that same position and if it is necessary to let her go now, the President should do it. NEC has become toxic and the working environment needs to be stable, peaceful and productive,” the magistrate concluded.
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