Monrovia, Liberia; July 14, 2025: Forty-six leaders from registered political parties convened in Monrovia for a two-day consultative forum hosted by the National Elections Commission (NEC) to review and validate the revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Commission and political parties.
The updated MoU aims to bolster cooperation between the NEC and the Inter-Party Consultative Committee (IPCC), a vital platform for dialogue and electoral collaboration.
It seeks to promote consensus-building, deepen political engagement, and nurture a culture of peaceful democratic participation in Liberia.
A key aspect of the revised agreement includes strengthened mechanisms for inter-party dialogue, dispute resolution, and conflict mediation.
Notably, it incorporates enhanced provisions to promote gender equality and broaden the inclusion of youth and persons with disabilities in political party structures and processes.
These revisions are informed by contributions from a previous IPCC meeting held in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
Opening the forum, NEC Chairperson Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah emphasized the MoU’s role in fostering mutual respect and accountability.
“This event marks a new chapter in our collective commitment to deepening democracy in Liberia. The Commission hopes that the validation and subsequent signing of this MoU will elevate our democratic gains for the benefit of the Liberian people, the voters, and the future of our nation,” said Lassannah.
NEC Commissioner for Political Affairs, Mr. Boakai Dukuly, urged party leaders to approach the review with integrity and foresight.
“Political parties are indispensable actors in our democracy. This MoU, once finalized, will serve as a guiding document that all parties will be expected to honor. I urge you to review it thoroughly and contribute meaningfully,” stressed Dukuly.
Commissioner Barsee Leo Kpangbai echoed the importance of the MoU in ensuring credible and peaceful elections.
“This revised MoU is a milestone in our democratic journey. It reflects a collective aspiration for inclusive participation and peaceful coexistence among political actors,” Kpangbai noted.
Representing the political parties, Madam Florence Kaydee, Chairperson of the Liberia Restoration Party, encouraged her peers to fully engage.
“We are here to make critical decisions not just for our parties, but for the people of Liberia and future generations. Let us engage meaningfully and in good faith,” Madame Kaydee emphasized.
On behalf of UNDP and its development partners, Mr. Roosevelt Zayzay of the Liberia Electoral Support Project reaffirmed support for democratic progress in Liberia.
Zayzay said UNDP and its partners remain committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Liberia’s elections are inclusive, transparent, and credible. “This MoU is a crucial step toward achieving that goal,” he affirmed.
The forum was convened by the National Elections Commission (NEC), with technical assistance provided by the UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP), supported by the European Union, Irish Aid, and the Embassy of Sweden.
The initiative supports national institutions and promotes inclusive, peaceful, and transparent electoral processes. LESP is coordinated by UNDP and implemented in partnership with UN Women and the Netherlands Institute for Multi-Party Democracy (NIMD).
