President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has announced the indefinite suspension of Madam Davidetta Browne-Lansanah, Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC), citing violations of Liberia’s Elections Law.
The suspension follows investigations into recent protests by NEC staff over administrative decisions made without proper consultation. Findings revealed that Madam Browne-Lansanah unilaterally closed the NEC office for one month and dismissed 25 employees without obtaining approval from the NEC Board of Commissioners, as mandated by law.
President Boakai referenced Sections 2.1 and 2.10(d) of the Elections Law, which require the NEC Board of Commissioners to collectively oversee the Commission’s affairs. The law explicitly states that decisions regarding employee disciplinary actions must involve consultation with the Board, rather than being made unilaterally by the Chairperson or any individual member.
“Despite the ongoing work of a committee tasked with addressing NEC workers’ grievances, Madam Browne-Lansanah took unilateral actions that undermined the institution’s integrity and stability,” the President said.
The President expressed concern that such actions could compromise the NEC’s capacity to conduct critical by-elections slated for the next two months, while also fostering a toxic work environment within the Commission.
The Government of Liberia reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in all institutions, particularly the NEC, which is vital to safeguarding Liberia’s democracy.
