Monrovia, Liberia – The Rule of Law Caucus in the House of Representatives led by Rep. Musa H. Bility of Nimba County District #7 has decried the suspension of the National Elections Commission (NEC) Chairperson, Madam Davidetta Browne-Lansanah. The caucus in a statement on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, described the decision by President Joseph N. Boakai as a direct attack on democratic governance and a violation of Liberia’s constitutional framework.
The caucus expressed alarm over what it views as an encroachment on the independence of the NEC, which is protected under the Constitution as a tenured institution. “This action undermines the fundamental principles of democracy and constitutional governance,” the caucus stated. “The NEC was established to operate free from political manipulation, and this decision threatens its integrity and purpose.”
According to the lawmakers, Liberia’s Constitution clearly outlines the process for removing tenured officials, which requires impeachment by the Legislature. The caucus accused the President of sidestepping this process and exceeding his constitutional authority. They emphasized that such unilateral actions could destabilize the country’s governance system.
The caucus further criticized the broader implications of the suspension, noting that it erodes public trust in the electoral process. “This decision casts a shadow over the credibility of our electoral framework,” they argued. “Without faith in free and fair elections, the legitimacy of governance is fundamentally undermined.”
President Boakai’s decision, announced through a statement by Presidential Press Secretary Madam Kula Bonah Nyei Fofana, cited alleged misconduct by Madam Browne-Lansanah as the basis for the suspension. According to the Executive Mansion, the Chairperson unilaterally closed the NEC office for a month and dismissed 25 employees without consulting the NEC Board of Commissioners, as mandated by law.
The President also referenced sections of the Elections Law that require collective decision-making by the NEC Board on administrative matters. The statement alleged that Madam Browne-Lansanah’s actions disrupted ongoing investigations into staff grievances and created a toxic work environment, jeopardizing the NEC’s ability to conduct upcoming by-elections.
The Rule of Law Caucus, however, rejected this justification, asserting that no alleged administrative violation could warrant bypassing constitutional procedures. They warned that such actions set a dangerous precedent for governance in Liberia. “If the Executive is allowed to unilaterally undermine tenured institutions, the democratic foundation of this country will be in peril,” they cautioned.
The caucus also highlighted the broader dangers of politicizing the NEC, particularly in the aftermath of a contentious election cycle. They argued that any interference in the Commission’s operations risks destabilizing the fragile trust Liberians have in their democracy. “The removal of the NEC Chairperson at this critical time signals an alarming shift toward authoritarian governance,” the caucus declared.
Calling for immediate action, the caucus urged President Boakai to reverse his decision and respect constitutional norms. “This suspension must be rescinded to protect the integrity of Liberia’s democracy. Ignoring constitutional safeguards undermines public confidence in governance and threatens national stability,” they stated.
The lawmakers concluded with a plea to Liberians to remain vigilant in defending democratic values. “The survival of our democracy depends on the strength and independence of its institutions. We must resist any attempt to erode these foundations, for the sake of our nation’s future.”
