As Liberia prepares for future electoral activities, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is calling for environmental sustainability to become a core part of how elections are planned and conducted across the country.
During a visit by officials of the National Elections Commission (NEC) to the EPA headquarters in Monrovia on March 9, 2026, the agency proposed the creation of a dedicated Environmental Unit within the NEC to ensure that electoral processes are carried out in a way that protects the environment.
Welcoming the NEC delegation, EPA Executive Director Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo emphasized that major national events like elections often generate large volumes of waste, particularly from campaign posters, banners, plastic materials, and other promotional supplies.
According to Dr. Yarkpawolo, establishing an Environmental Unit within the electoral body would help ensure that environmental considerations are integrated into election planning from the start.
He noted that such a unit could help develop policies for managing election-related waste, reducing pollution, and encouraging more environmentally friendly campaign practices across Liberia.
As part of the engagement, members of the NEC delegation toured the EPA’s laboratory facilities, where they learned about the agency’s ongoing work in environmental monitoring, scientific analysis, and protection efforts nationwide.
The meeting brought together several senior officials, including members of the NEC Board of Commissioners, the Commission’s Executive Director, as well as technical staff and advisors from the EPA.
Responding on behalf of the electoral body, NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne Lansanah expressed appreciation for the EPA’s initiative and commended the agency for its work in safeguarding Liberia’s environment.
Madam Lansanah said the Commission looks forward to strengthening collaboration with the EPA, particularly as the country prepares for future elections that could benefit from more environmentally responsible planning.
The discussions concluded with both institutions reaffirming their willingness to work together to promote sustainable electoral practices, with the NEC indicating it will review the proposal and explore ways to integrate environmental safeguards into its operations.
