Monrovia, Liberia – The National Elections Commission (NEC) staff have expressed strong disapproval of Representative Musa Bility’s condemnation of President Joseph Boakai’s decision to suspend NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne-Lansanah.
According to the staff, President Boakai’s action was not only justified but essential to restore order within the institution.
President Boakai’s suspension of Madam Browne-Lansanah has ignited a heated debate, with critics like Rep. Bility describing it as unconstitutional and a threat to Liberia’s democratic governance. However, NEC staff counter this narrative, asserting that the President acted within his authority to address a deteriorating situation at the Commission.
NEC staff argue that the suspension of Madam Browne-Lansanah was overdue. They allege that her tenure was plagued by controversies, including the mismanagement of staff welfare funds, the arbitrary dismissal of experienced employees, and the creation of a hostile work environment. One NEC staff member, speaking anonymously, lamented that 12 colleagues lost their lives during the 2023 General Elections without receiving any insurance benefits, despite such provisions being included in the budget. “The sacrifices made by staff to ensure a credible election were disregarded. Instead of addressing these pressing issues, the Chairperson withheld vital information and fostered disunity,” the staffer claimed.
The staff further criticized Madam Browne-Lansanah for allegedly mismanaging election funds. Despite receiving $53 million for the 2023 elections, they allege that many planned activities were either scaled back or abandoned, while international partners had to cover shortfalls. “How can an institution claiming insufficient funding manage to save 15% of its budget? This raises serious questions about transparency,” they argued.
Rep. Musa Bility, a staunch defender of Madam Browne-Lansanah, has described the suspension as unconstitutional, citing the NEC’s tenured status. In a statement, the Rule of Law Caucus in the House of Representatives, led by Bility, criticized the suspension as a “direct attack on democratic governance.”
However, NEC staff and legal experts contend that the President’s decision is supported by the New Elections Law, specifically Section 2.2, which outlines the appointment and tenure of NEC officials. They argue that while impeachment is the ultimate process for removal, suspension for administrative violations does not fall outside the President’s purview.
Critics of Rep. Bility’s position also point to his personal and political interests in the matter. NEC staff highlighted his alleged role in the controversial restructuring of the Liberty Party and his close association with Madam Browne-Lansanah. “Your blind defense of the Chairperson undermines your credibility. Instead of addressing the NEC’s internal crises, you’ve chosen to prioritize personal interests,” they stated.
While the Rule of Law Caucus warns that the suspension sets a dangerous precedent, NEC staff argue that allowing Madam Browne-Lansanah to remain in office would have been a greater threat to democratic governance. They accuse her of violating the institution’s statutes and compromising its integrity through alleged acts of corruption and administrative misconduct.
Moreover, they challenge Rep. Bility’s claims that the suspension undermines public trust in the electoral process. “How can the public trust an institution led by someone with a tainted reputation? Restoring confidence requires decisive action, not political rhetoric,” they argued.
The NEC staff have called on Rep. Bility and other lawmakers to focus on resolving the Commission’s internal crises rather than politicizing the matter. They emphasized that the welfare of NEC staff, who were instrumental in ensuring the success of the 2023 elections, should take precedence over defending a Chairperson accused of negligence and corruption. “The success of the 2023 General Elections was not the work of one individual. It was the result of collective sacrifices by NEC staff. These contributions must be acknowledged and rewarded, not overshadowed by leadership failures,” the staff asserted.
The controversy surrounding Madam Browne-Lansanah’s suspension highlights issues of governance, accountability, and institutional integrity. While Rep. Musa Bility and the Rule of Law Caucus have raised valid concerns about the constitutional implications, NEC staff argue that President Boakai’s decision was a necessary step to address deep-seated problems within the Commission.
