Monrovia, Liberia – Workers at the National Elections Commission (NEC) on Friday, January 17, 2025, expressed profound gratitude to President Joseph Nyumah Boakai for his decision to indefinitely suspend Davidetta Brown-Lansanah, Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC).
This action, according to workers, represents a critical step toward restoring stability and integrity to an institution that has been marred by allegations of mismanagement and corruption.
The workers lauded the President’s move, asserting that it is rooted in the legal framework governing the commission, which provides for the removal of its chairperson for cause. They argued that Lansanah’s leadership had been characterized by authoritarian practices, mismanagement, and corruption, necessitating decisive action. By opting for suspension rather than outright dismissal, President Boakai has demonstrated a preference for institutional reform over punitive measures.
For over five years, NEC employees reportedly endured a challenging work environment under Lansanah’s leadership. Staff members described her management style as dictatorial, accusing her of sidelining senior officials, ignoring established procedures, and suppressing dissent. Allegations of financial misconduct further compounded these concerns. Notably, Lansanah was linked to a controversial deal involving Unique Solutions, a company accused of withdrawing large sums from NEC accounts without fulfilling contractual obligations. The firm allegedly delivered non-functional solar systems valued at over $200,000 while providing fully operational setups as kickbacks to Lansanah and NEC Executive Director Anthony K. Sengbe.
The workers also alleged that Lansanah undermined the collective authority of the NEC commissioners by unilaterally merging departments, dismantling the institution’s organogram, and controlling budgets for by-elections without consulting her colleagues. Staff transfers and travel opportunities were reportedly manipulated to serve her interests, further eroding trust within the commission.
For the past three months, the NEC has struggled with an institutional crisis marked by fractured relationships and a toxic atmosphere. These challenges prompted the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to scale back its support, citing concerns about the commission’s functionality. The workers representatives stressed that Lansanah’s actions not only violated the rights of NEC employees but also undermined public trust in Liberia’s electoral process.
While President Boakai’s intervention has been widely welcomed, opposition politicians, including Musa Bility and Acarious Gray, have criticized the move as politically motivated. The workers dismissed these claims, emphasizing that the suspension was driven by concerns over national security and governance rather than partisan interests. The group accused opposition figures of politicizing an urgent issue of institutional reform.
The workers have called on President Boakai to commission a comprehensive audit of the Commission to ensure transparency and accountability. They also highlighted alleged collusion involving senior officials, including NEC Executive Director Sengbe and Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, as further justification for scrutiny.
As the NEC begins the recovery process, the NEC has urged its workforce to resume regular duties starting January 20, 2025. They also called on international partners, particularly the UNDP, to reengage with the commission. Preparations for the upcoming by-election in Nimba County and efforts to restore public confidence in Liberia’s electoral system remain pressing priorities.
In a statement, the NEC stressed that Lansanah’s suspension is not solely about addressing individual misconduct but about safeguarding the integrity of Liberia’s democratic processes. They described the NEC as a critical institution that serves as a bridge between peace and chaos, emphasizing the necessity of its stability for national security and democracy.
The workers expressed optimism that President Boakai’s intervention will usher in meaningful reforms, fostering transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law within the NEC. This development, they believe, signals the beginning of a new chapter for Liberia’s electoral system.
