The National Elections Commission (NEC) of Liberia convened a two-day consultative forum in Monrovia, bringing together 46 leaders from registered political parties. The central objective of this gathering was to review and validate a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NEC and the Inter-Party Consultative Committee (IPCC). This vital platform serves as a cornerstone for dialogue and collaboration on electoral matters, aiming to strengthen the foundations of Liberia’s democratic processes. The revised MoU signifies a renewed commitment to fostering consensus-building, promoting active political engagement, and nurturing a culture of peaceful democratic participation across the nation.
The revised MoU builds upon the foundation laid by a prior IPCC meeting held in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, incorporating feedback and suggestions from various stakeholders. Central enhancements include strengthened mechanisms for inter-party dialogue, more effective dispute resolution processes, and robust frameworks for conflict mediation. Crucially, the revised agreement emphasizes gender equality and inclusion, incorporating provisions to broaden the participation of youth and persons with disabilities within the structures and processes of political parties. This focus on inclusivity aims to ensure more representative and equitable political engagement.
NEC Chairperson, Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah, underscored the MoU’s significance in fostering mutual respect and accountability among political actors. She characterized the forum as a pivotal moment in Liberia’s democratic journey, expressing hope that the validation and subsequent signing of the MoU would solidify and advance the nation’s democratic gains, ultimately benefiting the Liberian people, the electorate, and the future of the country. This sentiment reflects the NEC’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and fostering a more participatory political landscape.
Echoing the Chairperson’s emphasis on collaboration, NEC Commissioner for Political Affairs, Mr. Boakai Dukuly, urged party leaders to approach the review process with integrity and foresight. He highlighted the indispensable role of political parties in a functioning democracy, stressing that the finalized MoU would serve as a binding document guiding all parties’ conduct during electoral processes. Commissioner Barsee Leo Kpangbai reinforced the MoU’s importance in ensuring credible and peaceful elections, describing it as a milestone in Liberia’s democratic progress and a testament to the collective aspiration for inclusive participation and harmonious coexistence among political stakeholders.
Representing the collective voice of the political parties, Madam Florence Kaydee, Chairperson of the Liberia Restoration Party, encouraged her peers to engage constructively and wholeheartedly in the review process. She emphasized that their decisions would have far-reaching implications, not only for their respective parties but also for the Liberian people and future generations. Her call for meaningful and good-faith engagement underscores the shared responsibility of political parties in shaping the future of Liberia’s democracy.
International partners also expressed their strong support for the initiative. Mr. Roosevelt Zayzay, representing UNDP and its development partners within the Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP), reaffirmed their commitment to supporting democratic progress in Liberia. He highlighted the ongoing collaboration with stakeholders to ensure inclusive, transparent, and credible elections, emphasizing the MoU as a critical step towards achieving this goal. The LESP, supported by the European Union, Irish Aid, and the Embassy of Sweden, provides technical assistance to the NEC, focusing on strengthening national institutions and promoting inclusive, peaceful, and transparent electoral processes. This international partnership signifies the global commitment to supporting Liberia’s democratic development. The project, coordinated by UNDP and implemented in partnership with UN Women and the Netherlands Institute for Multi-Party Democracy (NIMD), further strengthens the collaborative framework supporting electoral integrity and democratic governance in Liberia. This united effort aims to consolidate democratic gains and ensure the continued progress of Liberia’s democratic trajectory.
