MONROVIA – President Joseph N. Boakai has lifted the suspension of Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah as Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC), reinstating her with immediate effect. The decision, announced in an Executive Mansion press release on Thursday, February 20, 2025, was signed by Presidential Press Secretary Atty. Kula Bonah Nyei Fofana.
The reinstatement follows a high-level meeting held on Wednesday, February 18, 2025, at the Executive Mansion. The meeting was attended by the NEC Board of Commissioners, the ECOWAS Ambassador to Liberia, and senior officials of the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs. According to the statement, extensive discussions among NEC Commissioners and senior advisors to the President led to an agreement on enhanced cooperation and the reversal of previous dismissal actions against certain NEC employees.
President Boakai, in restoring Chairperson Lansanah to her position, underscored the importance of unity and professionalism within the NEC. He urged the Commissioners to work collaboratively and avoid any perception of internal discord in an institution that holds critical public trust. The President further emphasized the need for renewed efforts to foster harmony between the Commission’s leadership and its staff.
Additionally, President Boakai has agreed to meet with the leadership of NEC aggrieved workers at a later date to address concerns they raised in a petition following a demonstration in December 2024. He encouraged all NEC employees to remain committed to the Commission’s work and to adopt a peaceful and cooperative approach.
With this resolution, President Boakai expressed confidence that the uncertainty surrounding the NEC has been addressed, paving the way for the smooth conduct of the upcoming Nimba County by-election. The election is set to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Senator Prince Y. Johnson. The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the NEC and ensuring the credibility of Liberia’s democratic processes.
