Monrovia-Liberia-February 16, 2026- In a calculated move to reinforce institutional integrity ahead of future electoral cycles, the Board of Commissioners of the National Elections Commission (NEC) has publicly recommitted itself to credible, transparent, and accountable electoral governance.
The recommitment followed a five-day strategic retreat held in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, culminating on February 14, 2026, with the signing of a formal communiqué. The document signals not merely procedural reflection, but a structural recalibration aimed at strengthening leadership cohesion and institutional discipline within Liberia’s Electoral Management Body (EMB).
Held under the theme “Strengthening Leadership, Law, and Collaboration for Credible Electoral Governance,” the retreat functioned as an internal audit of leadership culture and operational readiness. Commissioners emphasized integrity, unity, teamwork, and statutory compliance as foundational pillars for restoring and maintaining public trust.
NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne Lansanah underscored collective responsibility and adherence to the Commission’s legal mandate, framing the retreat as an opportunity to consolidate leadership accountability at the highest level.
Each of the seven Commissioners delivered statements reinforcing their shared obligation to ethical stewardship. Co-Chairperson P. Teplah Reeves stressed the necessity of consistent internal communication to ensure unified decision-making, while Commissioner Boakai A. Dukuly called for leadership by example—an implicit acknowledgment that institutional credibility begins at the top.
Commissioners Barsee Leo Kpangbai, Floyd O. Sayor, Ernestine Morgan Awar, and Josephine Kou Gaye further emphasized team cohesion and strict adherence to electoral law as non-negotiable standards.
Electoral Governance as Democratic Infrastructure
The communiqué reaffirmed a central premise: credible elections are indispensable to Liberia’s democratic stability, peace, and development. In a political environment where public confidence in institutions often fluctuates, such declarations are designed to stabilize expectations and reinforce procedural legitimacy.
The retreat also attracted international attention. Representing the European Union Delegation to Liberia, Katherine Green, Chief Technical Advisor of the UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project, commended the Commission’s introspective initiative. The European Union described the gathering as a meaningful step toward sustaining public trust and aligning electoral conduct with ethical principles and international standards.
The EU further reaffirmed its continued partnership with the NEC in advancing democratic governance. In a move that extends beyond board-level reflection, the Commissioners have directed the NEC Secretariat to organize a similar retreat for directors across all departments. The objective is to cascade leadership alignment throughout the Commission’s operational structure, ensuring that strategic vision translates into administrative execution.
While retreats often carry ceremonial overtones, this exercise appears structured to send a deliberate signal: that Liberia’s electoral referee is actively investing in internal coherence before the next major electoral contest.
If effectively implemented, the outcomes of this strategic reset could enhance institutional resilience and reinforce the procedural safeguards upon which Liberia’s democracy depends.
