Buchanan, Grand Bassa County – February 16, 2026: Far from the noise of political rallies and talk shows, a quiet but critical conversation about Liberia’s democratic future unfolded in a retreat hall in Buchanan. There were no campaign slogans, no cameras chasing soundbites—just the people who safeguard the nation’s votes, challenged to lead with unity and integrity.
The National Elections Commission (NEC) Board of Commissioners gathered from February 10–14, 2026, for their annual retreat, a working session focused on ethical leadership, internal reform, and teamwork. In the midst of those difficult, behind‑the‑scenes conversations, they received an unexpected spark of reflection: a visit from UNDP Liberia Resident Representative, Aliou Mamadou Dia.
Mr. Dia did not arrive as a distant diplomat, but as someone who has stood on the front lines of politics himself. He spoke openly about his journey as a former presidential candidate in Senegal and his experience working with electoral bodies across Africa. That personal story immediately changed the tone in the room: this was not theory—it was lived reality.
“Strong electoral institutions are the backbone of democracy, unity, integrity, and professionalism—this is how public trust is earned,” he told the Commissioners. His words landed at a moment when NEC was already examining its own internal culture, pressures, and responsibilities.
Dia’s core message was simple: disagreements are normal, but division is dangerous. Institutions are made of people, and people will not always see eye to eye. What matters is whether leaders rise above personal differences to present a united front in service of the country.
Leadership, he suggested, is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to keep the institution bigger than individual egos. In an era when electoral bodies are under constant public scrutiny and suspicion, that kind of unity could mean the difference between trust and turmoil.
Mr. Dia’s visit also underscored that Liberia is not walking its democratic path alone. Through the Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP), UNDP has committed to supporting NEC with stronger systems, sustained reforms, and increased institutional capacity. The message was clear: this is not a one‑off engagement, but a long‑term partnership aimed at keeping elections free, peaceful, and credible.
NEC Co‑Chair, Teplah Reeves, speaking on behalf of the Commission, welcomed the visit as more than a courtesy call. She acknowledged UNDP’s support not just in terms of resources and technical expertise, but in shared values—transparency, professionalism, and respect for the will of the people. She reaffirmed NEC’s commitment to elections that genuinely reflect the choice of Liberian voters.
Behind the closed doors in Buchanan, the NEC Board was not just reviewing documents; they were wrestling with the kind of issues that never make headlines but decide whether an election is trusted or doubted. Among their priorities were: Reviewing governance and policy frameworks, Strengthening collaboration and mutual respect among Commissioners, deepening ethical leadership and responsible decision‑making, confronting internal governance challenges. Aligning strategies for ongoing electoral reform.
In short, the retreat was about building the kind of institution capable of withstanding pressure, criticism, and political storms—without losing its integrity.
There were no cheering crowds in Buchanan, no breaking news banners. Yet what happened there could prove decisive in how Liberians experience their next elections. By showing up in that room, listening, and sharing his own lessons, Aliou Mamadou Dia reminded NEC that democracy is protected not only by laws and logistics, but by character and cohesion.
As Liberia continues its democratic journey, it may be these quiet, serious moments of reflection and partnership—not just campaign seasons—that keep the country on a peaceful, stable path. The question now is whether the spirit of unity and responsibility shared in that retreat room will carry into every decision made before the next Liberian voter steps into a polling booth.
