Liberian Electoral Commission Commends INEC for Technical Support

 Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC) has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its technical support in establishing the workspace and bolstering the electoral process in Liberia. 

The Chairperson of Liberia NEC, Davidetta Lansanah, in a statement issued yesterday, acknowledged the pivotal technical support rendered by INEC and its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in sustaining Liberia’s democratic journey.

She said: “On Friday, December 29, 2023, Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC) extended an honorary tribute to Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). 

“The event marked the dedication of a workspace for staff, officiated by Prof. Yakubu at the invitation of Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah, Chairperson of NEC Liberia.”

The Chairperson recalled Yakubu’s role as President of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) and highlighted his advocacy for resource-sharing among regional Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs). 

She commended Yakubu’s influential efforts, resulting in Liberia’s election as the First Vice President of ECONEC in 2021, and expressed gratitude for his steadfast backing of NEC-Liberia in various regional endeavours.

Lansanah acknowledged the pivotal “technical support rendered by INEC Nigeria and Professor Yakubu in establishing the workspace and bolstering the electoral process in Liberia.”

Responding, Yakubu expressed appreciation to NEC-Liberia for the esteemed honour bestowed upon INEC Nigeria in dedicating the workspace to staff.

He emphasised the value of this resource in enhancing the operational capabilities of staff, particularly through IT facilities.

Reflecting on past collaborations, Yakubu recalled INEC Nigeria’s assistance during Liberia’s 2017 presidential election. 

He highlighted the joint efforts of IT experts from INEC and NEC-Liberia in addressing stakeholders’ concerns regarding the voters’ register. 

Yakubu noted INEC’s technical support ahead of subsequent special elections, the 2020 referendum facilitated by ECOWAS, and the implementation of the biometric register in the recent general election.

The event witnessed the presence of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Liberia, Christine Umutoni; Mr. Manir Ibrahim, Charge d’affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Liberia; the representative of the Liberian Bar Association, alongside the co-chairperson, members of the board of commissioners, among others.