Liberia: Rule of Law Caucus, Concerned Liberians Condemn NEC Chairperson’s Indefinite Suspension, Call on Pres. Boakai to Reverse Decision - FrontPageAfrica

Share
FacebookTwitterLinkedInPinterestEmail

Monrovia – President Joseph Boakai’s decision to suspend Madam Davidetta Brown-Lansanah, Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC), has sparked widespread criticism and raised concerns about the state of democracy in Liberia.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

The Executive Mansion announced on Wednesday that Madam Browne-Lansanah was suspended indefinitely following an investigation into administrative decisions deemed disruptive to public order.

According to the Executive Mansion, the investigation revealed that Madam Browne-Lansanah unilaterally dismissed 25 employees and closed the NEC office for one month without the approval of the NEC Board of Commissioners, actions which violated the 1986 New Elections Law. The law requires the Board’s collective decision-making on such matters.

“While the committee constituted to investigate the grievances of NEC workers was actively addressing the matter, Madam Browne-Lansanah took precipitous and unilateral actions, thereby undermining the integrity and stability of the institution,” the President stated.

The President expressed concern that such actions could adversely impact the NEC’s ability to conduct by-elections scheduled within the next two months, while also creating a toxic working environment at the Commission.”

The President expressed concern that her actions could jeopardize upcoming by-elections and create a toxic work environment at the NEC.

Appointed by then-President George Weah in 2020, Madam Davidetta Browne-Lansanah has been a pivotal figure at the NEC. She earned praise both domestically and internationally for successfully overseeing Liberia’s 2023 presidential and legislative elections. Prior to this, she played a key role in organizing numerous legislative by-elections.

However, last year, she clashed with fellow commissioners over administrative matters. The discord escalated when she reportedly dismissed approximately 40 employees for “gross insubordination” following protests at the NEC headquarters. The employees had been demanding hazard benefits for their work during the 2023 elections.

Her decision drew significant backlash from the affected employees and some members of the NEC Board of Commissioners, intensifying tensions within the institution. The escalating conflict prompted President Boakai to intervene by establishing an investigative panel to address the situation.

Public Outcry

The suspension has drawn sharp criticism from the Rule of Law Legislative Caucus headed by Rep. Musa Hassan Bility (District #7, Nimba County), which described it as unconstitutional. The Caucus emphasized that the NEC’s independence, protected under the Constitution, is vital to safeguarding democracy.

Said the Caucus: “The Supreme Court of Liberia has ruled unequivocally that the suspension of tenured officers is tantamount to their removal. Such removals are constitutionally permissible only through the impeachment process, which involves the National Legislature. By bypassing this process, the President has overstepped the boundaries of his authority, contravening the separation of powers and undermining constitutional protections.” –

The Caucus warned that the suspension of the NEC Chairperson—who oversaw the contentious 2023 elections—undermines public confidence in the electoral system and sets a dangerous precedent of Executive overreach.

“We urge the President to rescind this decision and allow constitutional processes to prevail,” the statement continued. “The erosion of institutional independence risks plunging the country into uncharted territory and threatens the very essence of our democracy.”

‘A Democracy in Crisis’

Critics, including Dr. Clarence Pearson, a Liberian scholar, argue that the suspension highlights a broader pattern of undemocratic practices under the Boakai administration.

“The recent suspension of Madam Davidetta Browne-Lansanah, Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC), has drawn particular concern. The NEC plays a critical role in safeguarding electoral integrity, and this move has raised questions about the administration’s commitment to free and fair elections in the run-up to several pending special elections, including to replace fallen Sen. Prince Y. Johnson of Nimba County,” Dr. Pearson said.

In his commentary, “Liberia Under Boakai: Democracy in Crisis,” Dr. Pearson pointed to violations of tenure laws, suppression of press freedom, and alleged human rights abuses.

“The NEC plays a critical role in safeguarding electoral integrity,” Pearson wrote. “This move raises questions about the administration’s commitment to free and fair elections ahead of pending by-elections.”

He also highlighted reports of attacks on journalists, suppression of peaceful protests, and unexplained detainee disappearances, all of which he said erode public trust in the justice system.

The legislature, too, has been a target of alleged Executive interference. In December 2024, members of the House of Representatives were reportedly assaulted during a contentious leadership change. A subsequent fire at the Capitol Building further exposed vulnerabilities in state governance.

Observers have expressed alarm over these developments. Dr. Pearson warned that without intervention from Liberia’s international partners, including the United States, the nation risks sliding into authoritarianism.

Call to Action

The Rule of Law Legislative Caucus and other critics have called on President Boakai to reverse the suspension and respect constitutional norms.

“Liberians have worked tirelessly to sustain democracy after years of conflict,” the Caucus stated. “Undermining the rule of law jeopardizes these hard-fought gains. Let us unite to defend the Constitution and our democratic values.”