Liberia: UNDP Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Liberia’s Electoral System During Visit to NEC - FrontPageAfrica

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Liberia’s democratic governance and electoral reform efforts following a courtesy visit to the Acting Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC).

The visit took place Tuesday at the NEC Headquarters in Monrovia where UNDP Resident Representative to Liberia, Aliou Mamadou Dia, accompanied by Deputy Resident Representative Louis Kuukpen, led a delegation to engage the Acting NEC Chairperson Jonathan Weedor.

The meeting focused on strengthening the longstanding partnership between UNDP and the NEC, with discussions centered on democratic governance, electoral reforms, institutional development and the digital transformation of Liberia’s electoral processes.

Speaking during the engagement, Mr. Dia congratulated Mr. Weedor on his appointment and assured the NEC of UNDP’s continued support in advancing transparent and credible elections in Liberia.

“Liberia demonstrated democratic maturity during the 2023 Presidential and Legislative Elections  through a peaceful transition of power,” Mr. Dia stated.

“We remain committed to building on those gains and supporting the Commission in strengthening the country’s democratic institutions,” he said.

He noted that UNDP alongside partners including the European Union, the Governments of Sweden and Ireland as well as UN Women, continues to support inclusive and accountable electoral processes in Liberia.

Mr. Dia added that Liberia’s peaceful electoral process in 2023 enhanced international confidence in the country’s democratic system and positioned the nation as a model for peaceful democratic transition in Africa.

For his part, Mr. Kuukpen emphasized the importance of sustaining electoral reforms ahead of the 2029 elections and adapting to changing global electoral trends.

According to him, electoral management institutions must evolve with modern realities to ensure efficiency, transparency, and public trust in the electoral process.

Responding, Acting NEC Chairperson  Weedor welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the significant role UNDP has played in rebuilding Liberia’s electoral system since the end of the civil conflict.

“UNDP has been instrumental in supporting reforms within the electoral sector, from voter registration modernization to staff capacity development and institutional strengthening,” Mr. Weedor said.

He pledged to deepen collaboration with UNDP and other international partners during his tenure as Acting Chairperson.

Mr. Weedor outlined key priorities for the Commission, including advancing electoral reforms, strengthening engagement with political parties to reduce tensions and build trust, and investing in staff development.

He also stressed the importance of embracing digital transformation within the electoral system. “The future of election management is digital,” he noted.

“To maintain credibility and transparency in voter registration and election administration, Liberia must continue investing in digital systems.”

The visit forms part of ongoing efforts by UNDP and its partners to support democratic governance and strengthen public confidence in Liberia’s electoral institutions.

The Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP), managed by UNDP in partnership with UN Women and the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), is funded by the European Union and the governments of Ireland and Sweden.

The project aims to promote peaceful, inclusive, transparent, and accountable electoral processes across Liberia.