Workers of the National Election Commission (NEC) have expressed profound suspend the Commission Chairperson Madam Davidetta Brown Lansana. The move, hailed by the aggrieved staff as a “bold and decisive” step, comes after months of tension and allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and authoritarian leadership within the commission.
She is accused of making administrative decisions without following the appropriate procedure.
An Executive Manson statement signed by Kula Fofana, Presidential Press Secretary, said Madam Lansanah took unilateral decisions that had the effect of undermining the integrity of the Commission, citing her action in closing the NEC office and dismissing 25 employees without the knowledge or approval of the NEC Board of Commissioners.
At a news conference on Friday, January 17, 2025, the NEC workers said President Boakai’s decision was made within the scope of his legal authority, which allows for the removal of the NEC chairperson in case of misconduct. They argued Madam Lansanah’s leadership had not only harmed the internal operations of the Commission but also posed a threat to the country’s electoral integrity, which is crucial for peace and stability.
Allegations of corruption and Mismanagement
The NEC staff members revealed that for the past years, the Commission had been plagued by what they described as an “authoritarian rule” under Lansanah. They alleged that the suspended chairperson was involved in numerous instances of corruption, including mishandling election funds, controlling the procurement process, and creating a hostile work environment. One of those serious allegations involves the procurement of election materials. The staff accused Lansanah of orchestrating financial arrangements that diverted the Commission funds to unqualify vendors, including a company run by one Daniel Kolubah. They claimed that Kolubah’s company provided substandard materials, including a non-functional solar system worth over US$ 200,000 (two hundred thousand United States Dollars) which they alleged was part of a kickback scheme benefiting Lansanah and other high-ranking officials. They also revealed at the Press conference that Madam Lansanah had consolidated power by sidelining other Commissioners and making decisions without consulting them. “Transfer staff to different departments, as well as mergers of sections within the Commission, were reportedly carried out without the approval or knowledge of the other commissioners.
A Toxic Workforce
The NEC workers described the atmosphere at the National Elections Commission as toxic, with many reporting mistreatment of voicing concerns or differing opinions. They claimed that the staff meetings were often reduced to “chatroom discussions” and that those who disagreed with Lansanah’s approach were subjected to internal investigations and, in some cases dismissed. The statement from the NEC staff also pointed to the suspension of vital work activities in recent months. According to the staff, operations at the commission had been paralyzed due to the toxic environment, with international partners like the United Nations Development Programme scaling down their support to the NEC due to the leadership crisis.
The NEC workers’ Press conference highlighted that these issues were not isolated to the internal workings of the commission but extended to its relationships with external partners. The staff also raised concerns about the alleged involvement of high-ranking officials in the NEC and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning in orchestrating manipulative schemes for personal gain.
Political reaction and calls for Accountably
There has been serious debate in the country regarding the President’s decision to suspend the NEC Chairperson, with two opposition figures Nimba County District Seven Representative Musa Bility and Former representative Moses Acaras Gray calling the action an attack on the rule of law.
However, the NEC worker called both Representative Bility former Representative Gray, and others voicing out their concerns to support the president’s decision, which they argued was necessary for the health of Liberia’s electoral system.
“We call on all, especially those from the opposition, to hail and clap for the president for hearing the cry of the staff of the Commission,” the staff representative said. “the NEC is the bridge between peace and anarchy, and we must restore its integrity.
Next Steps and Calls for an Audit
Moving forward, the NEC staff has urged President Boakai to initiate a comprehensive audit of the Commission’s operation during Lansanah’s tenure. They also called for all full return to regular operations, with a new commitment to transparency and accountability within the commission. The staff set Monday, January 20, 2025, as the date for the full resumption of activities and urged international partners, particularly the UNDP, to re-engage with the NEC.
