President Boakai Suspends NEC Chairperson Over Disruptive Actions At The Entity

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has indefinitely suspended Madam Davidetta Browne-Lansanah, Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC) after her actions were deemed disruptive to the stability of Liberia’s critical electoral body.

The suspension follows a wave of protests by NEC workers over administrative decisions made without proper consultation. Investigations revealed that Madam Browne-Lansanah had unilaterally closed the NEC office for a month and dismissed 25 employees without the approval of the NEC Board of Commissioners, as required by law.

Citing Sections 2.1 and 2.10(d) of the 1986 New Elections Law, President Boakai emphasized the importance of collective decision-making within the Commission. “The law is clear: the NEC Board must act as a collective body, particularly on matters involving corrective measures against employees. No individual commissioner, including the Chairperson, has the authority to act unilaterally,” the President stated.

The timing of this suspension is critical, as the NEC faces the challenge of organizing by-elections within the next two months. President Boakai expressed concern that Madam Browne-Lansanah’s actions had jeopardized the NEC’s operational stability and created a toxic environment for staff. “Her unilateral decisions not only undermined the institution’s integrity but also risked derailing the progress of ongoing investigations into workers’ grievances,” he explained.

This decisive action reflects the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in Liberia’s democratic processes. As one of the nation’s most vital institutions, the NEC must remain a beacon of trust and stability, especially during an election cycle.

The suspension sends a clear message: leadership within key institutions must prioritize collaboration and lawful conduct to maintain public confidence. Moving forward, the focus will be on restoring stability within the NEC and ensuring that the upcoming by-elections proceed smoothly.

Liberians will be watching closely, hopeful that this intervention will strengthen the NEC and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to fair and transparent governance.