The National Elections Commission (NEC) of Liberia is committed to strengthening its operational capacity and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This commitment is evident in the NEC’s ongoing engagement with the Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections (BRIDGE) program, a comprehensive curriculum focused on enhancing professional development in electoral management practices. In May 2025, twenty-five mid-level NEC employees, including Election Magistrates and Directors, participated in a BRIDGE workshop in Ganta, Nimba County, focusing on Building Institutional Excellence in Elections. This workshop, the third in a series, underscores the NEC’s dedication to applying lessons learned from the 2023 general elections and striving for greater efficiency and professionalism in fulfilling its constitutional mandate.
The Ganta workshop, organized by the NEC and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), received crucial support from international partners. The European Union, along with the governments of Ireland and Sweden, contributed to the workshop through the Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP). The European Partnership for Democracy further bolstered the initiative by contributing to workshop facilitation. LESP, a collaborative effort co-funded by the EU, Irish Aid, and the Embassy of Sweden, aims to support Liberian institutions in promoting a more inclusive and accountable democracy. It is implemented in partnership with UN Women and the Netherlands Institute for Multi-Party Democracy (NIMD).
The Building Institutional Excellence in Elections module, a key component of the BRIDGE program, provided a structured framework for the workshop. This module delves into the intricacies of electoral processes, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage elections. The Ganta workshop specifically addressed the NEC’s management and organizational structure, aiming to resolve common internal organizational challenges and enhance institutional functions and interpersonal relations. This ultimately contributes to improving the NEC’s overall performance and upholding its integrity and professionalism.
NEC Executive Director, Anthony K. Sengbe, inaugurated the workshop, emphasizing the commission’s unwavering commitment to institutional excellence. He stressed that this commitment begins within his own office and cascades throughout the organization. Sengbe underscored the training’s significance in enhancing the knowledge of magistrates and other mid-level managers, ultimately promoting efficiency within the institution. He highlighted the importance of cultivating a mindset of continuous improvement and embracing innovation as essential steps for every NEC employee.
James S.B. Wallace, Director of Training and Procedures, highlighted the positive impact of the BRIDGE program on the NEC’s pursuit of institutional excellence. He noted that leadership and a dedication to excellence are contagious, inspiring a transformative vision within the institution. Wallace affirmed the NEC’s commitment to disseminating this vision as widely as possible among its staff. The Ganta workshop served as a prime example of this commitment, providing a platform for mid-level employees to enhance their skills and contribute to the NEC’s overall improvement.
The Ganta workshop represents a significant milestone in the NEC’s ongoing journey towards institutional excellence. It builds upon the foundation laid by previous BRIDGE training sessions, including the groundbreaking global pilot workshop hosted by the NEC in February 2023. As the first electoral commission to adopt this innovative approach, the NEC demonstrated its proactive stance in embracing best practices in electoral management. The second workshop, held in September 2024, further solidified the NEC’s dedication to continuous improvement. The series of workshops, culminating in the Ganta session, demonstrates the NEC’s sustained commitment to enhancing its capabilities and solidifying its role as a credible and effective electoral body. Through these initiatives, the NEC strengthens Liberia’s democratic processes and contributes to a more transparent and accountable electoral system.
