Monrovia, Liberia – The upcoming by-election in Nimba County is facing uncertainty as employees of the National Elections Commission (NEC) strongly oppose any attempt by President Joseph Boakai to reinstate suspended NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne-Lansanah. The workers claim that influential international, regional, and national figures are misleading President Boakai into believing that Browne-Lansanah’s absence jeopardizes Liberia’s democratic image, pressuring him to restore her to the Commission.
Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved employees, Rennie Boakai Gleegbar warned that if President Boakai reinstated the NEC chairperson, the Nimba by-election would not occur. He described Browne-Lansanah as difficult to work with, citing poor human relations and a leadership style that has made it impossible for employees to function effectively under her direction.
Tensions between NEC staff and Browne-Lansanah escalated following her decision to unilaterally dismiss approximately 25 employees for alleged insubordination after a protest at NEC headquarters. The controversial move led to her indefinite suspension by President Boakai, who accused her of violating the Elections Law by shutting down the NEC office for a month and terminating employees without consulting the Board of Commissioners.
Following her suspension, Browne-Lansanah attempted to return to her office but faced strong resistance from staff, who physically prevented her from entering. Employees maintained that she would not be allowed back unless the president formally communicated her reinstatement to the Board of Commissioners.
In early January 2025, President Boakai suspended Browne-Lansanah, citing escalating internal unrest and violations of Liberia’s Elections Law. His decision sparked intense debate, with some viewing it as a necessary intervention to restore stability, while others questioned its legality and the potential impact on Liberia’s fragile democracy.
President Boakai’s decision was primarily influenced by allegations that Browne-Lansanah had unilaterally halted NEC operations for a month and dismissed 25 employees without consulting the Board of Commissioners—actions that violated Sections 2.1 and 2.10(d) of the Elections Law. Boakai argued that such unilateral decisions undermined institutional stability and disrupted essential electoral preparations.
“Decisions of this magnitude must reflect collective agreement among the Board of Commissioners to ensure transparency and accountability,” President Boakai stated. He accused Browne-Lansanah of ignoring an ongoing investigation into workers’ grievances, further exacerbating the Commission’s internal crisis. The government reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all public institutions adhere to principles of good governance.
The NEC has been controversial since December 2024, when more than 40 employees were reportedly dismissed after protesting corruption, unpaid salaries, and poor working conditions. Although the NEC’s communication office denied the dismissals, termination letters signed by Human Resource Director Hauline G. Korkoyah and approved by Executive Director Anthony K. Sengbe confirmed the actions, citing gross insubordination and disrespect toward the chairperson’s office. The affected employees had blocked NEC’s entrance and disrupted operations, prompting their removal.
Tensions intensified following a protest on November 26, 2024, in which NEC workers demanded overdue salaries and benefits. Protesters accused the Commission’s leadership of mismanaging funds and neglecting employee concerns, further damaging the NEC’s credibility. The ongoing crisis has raised serious doubts about the Commission’s ability to function effectively and conduct free and fair elections.
