Monrovia- Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa International Election Observation Mission to Liberia (EISA-LIEOM), has presented its final 2023 election observation report, offering 34 recommendations that are intended to consolidate participatory and inclusive democracy in Liberia.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972)[email protected]
Upon the invitation of the National Elections Commission of Liberia, the EISA-LIEOM carried out its work between April 2023 to May 2024. The mission accredited a total of 32 observers from 22 African Countries supported by a team of six technical experts.
Following 12 months of a more profound election observation in the country, upon the invitation of national authorities, the report presents the findings and recommendations of the EISA-LIEOM, the EISA Executive Director, Mr. Baidessou Soukolgue, stated.
He said: “The final comprehensive election observation report, is a testament to EISA observations and a narrative of a well-managed election handled by the NEC and the Government of Liberia alongside the unwavering support of local and international stakeholders, despite encountering challenges along the way.”
The election observation group also commends the National Election Committee for overseeing what it termed as well-executed election, characterized by transparency in information sharing, efficiency in mandate delivery, and adherence to procedures and regulations.
Mr. Soukolgue explains: “The recommendations offered for the consideration of national authorities and all local electoral stakeholders will prove valuable in the context of Liberia’s next election cycle. The upcoming electoral cycle, for which I believe the NEC and relevant stakeholders are already planning, presents an opportunity for the spirit of some recommendations to be reflected in improved practices.”
He added: “These recommendations provide a framework for enhancing electoral processes, with fundamental principles such as fairness, equity, and respect for political rights at their core” With the aim of contributing to the improvement of future elections, the EISA-LIEOM offers 34 recommendations for consideration by the relevant authorities.”
Recommendations from EISA-LIEOM indicates the improvement of civic and voter education strategies to strengthen political rights and enhance wide participation.
Also, prioritizing professional training of the media, especially in conflict-sensitive election reporting, to manage tensions and incidents of violence, establish a media monitoring and regulation mechanism to combat misinformation and disinformation and the prioritization by the legislature of the passage of the law that will genuinely ensure equal political participation and removal of structural barriers to women’s political participation are some of the recommendations given by the group.
“Review campaign finance regulations and put measures to restrain the use of state resources during election campaigns. Build the capacity of party representatives and agents to effectively follow through all the procedural processes at registration and polling stations. Provision of professional training for journalists to promote more ethical election coverage,” the group says.
Adding up, the EISA-LIEOM Chief of Party and EISA County Representative to Liberia, Madam Antonetta Hamandishe revealed that EISA’s assessment of Liberia’s electoral process highlights both the progress made in sustaining democracy over the past two decades and the complexities faced in the lead-up to the 2023 presidential and legislative elections.
Liberia’s constitutional and legal framework, she says lays a solid foundation for credible elections, but the non-implementation of critical constitutional reforms raises concerns.
“EISA was pleased to note the unshakeable commitment of the Liberian electorate and citizenry to peaceful alternation of power through the ballot box, the commitment of the Liberian government to upholding the peace and security of the election processes, and the commitment of the NEC to the principles of transparency and accountability in the execution of its duties,” Madam Hamandishe said.