The National Elections Commission (NEC) has called on Liberia’s media to stand at the forefront of protecting the country’s democratic process, concluding a two-day high-level consultation aimed at strengthening election communication, promoting transparency, and combating misinformation.
Held at the NEC Headquarters in Sinkor from July 2–3, the consultation focused on reviewing the Commission’s Draft Communications Strategy, Policy, and Protocols.
The exercise brought together journalists, election experts, civil society organizations, development partners, and NEC officials to refine a communications framework designed to improve public engagement and ensure accurate, timely, and consistent election information.
Opening the consultation, Commissioner Ernestine Morgan Awar, speaking on behalf of the NEC Board of Commissioners, described effective communication as the backbone of credible, peaceful, and inclusive elections.
She emphasized that the Commission is determined to strengthen public confidence by improving access to reliable election information while countering the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation.
Representatives of the United Nations Development Programme Liberia Electoral Support Project reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the NEC’s institutional reforms.
Programme Officer Roosevelt Zayzay praised the Commission’s initiative, while Chief Technical Advisor Katherine Green, speaking at the closing ceremony, pledged continued support for strengthening the Commission’s communications capacity and public outreach.
The nationwide review process, conducted in Ganta, Buchanan, and Monrovia, engaged more than 100 participants, including election magistrates, journalists, civil society representatives, and development partners.
The discussions are expected to shape a five-year Communications Framework (2026–2030) that will streamline election messaging and improve information dissemination across Liberia.
Delivering a strong message on the media’s role, Julius Kanubah urged journalists to remain vigilant and independent while working constructively with the NEC. He stressed that the press must continue serving as a watchdog by holding electoral authorities accountable and ensuring the public receives factual and balanced information.
A key outcome of the consultation was the signing of a joint communiqué between the NEC and participating journalists, reaffirming their shared commitment to accurate, timely, and responsible reporting on electoral affairs.
The agreement underscores a renewed partnership aimed at strengthening transparency, increasing public trust, and encouraging greater citizen participation in Liberia’s democratic process.
The draft Communications Strategy, Policy, and Protocols will now be revised using stakeholders’ recommendations before being submitted to the NEC Board of Commissioners for approval.
Once adopted, the framework will serve as the Commission’s blueprint for public communication and stakeholder engagement throughout the electoral cycle.
