Monrovia – The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is fielding a delegation from February 20-24 to assess preparations for Liberia’s October 10, 2017 Presidential and legislative elections.
The delegation includes regional and election experts from Africa, North America, and Europe: Ms. Robin Carnahan, Former Secretary of State of Missouri, and Member of the Board of Directors, NDI (United States); Commissioner Terry Tselane, Vice Chairperson, Electoral Commission (South Africa); Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, Regional Director, NDI (Cameroon); Alessandro Parziale, Observation Mission Director, NDI (Germany/Italy); and Michael McNulty Senior Program Manager, NDI (United States).
The purpose of the mission is to assess the ongoing voter registration, evaluate the overall political environment and other aspects of election preparations aimed at enhancing prospects for peaceful and credible polls in 2017.
While in Monrovia, the delegation will hold high-level meetings with the National Elections Commission, Presidential candidates, government officials, political party leaders and civil society representatives. .
“The October 2017 elections represent a historic watershed moment for Liberia — the first peaceful transfer of power from one democratically elected President to another,” said Ms. Carnahan. “The delegation looks forward to discussing with all stakeholders concrete steps that should be taken to make these polls inclusive, peaceful and credible.”
The delegation will present its mission findings at a press conference in Monrovia on Friday, February 24 at 10:00 am at the Boulevard Palace Hotel.
Over the last 25 years, NDI has conducted more than 150 election observation missions in 62 countries. NDI first worked in Liberia in 1997, providing technical assistance to Liberian voter education and election monitoring efforts. The Institute has maintained a permanent in-country office in Liberia since 2003.