Monrovia – The Liberia Election Observation Network (LEON) has launched its electoral cycle observation report on the just ended 2023 Presidential and legislative elections in Liberia.
By Edwin G. Genoway, Jr(231886458910)[email protected]
Leon’s electoral cycle observation report for the 2023 presidential and legislative elections in Liberia was released, highlighting the comprehensive assessment based on observations from 73 district-level observers and 1,000 short-term observers.
Key findings included peaceful elections, credible results, and minor electoral violence.
The report also analyzed voter turnout, invalid voting rates, and public perception.
Recommendations were made to improve democratic practices, Notably, Leon’s projections aligned with the National Election Commission’s results, enhancing the process’s credibility.
Electoral Cycle Observation Report Overview
The head of Secretariat of LEON, Augustine Tamba providing an overview of the project said the report is based on observations by a core team of election analysts, 73 district-level long-term observers, and approximately 1000 short-term observers.
He said Leon’s assessment includes election survey findings on public perception and the status of the first biometric voter registration in Liberia.
He mentioned that the report covers 12 election-related statements, including election day and post-election analyses, and analyzes various aspects such as election processes, result management, and electoral dispute resolution.
Key Events and Analyses in the Electoral Cycle Leon’s report mentions the presidential transition and inauguration, the opening of the legislature, and by-elections in Nimba and Grand Gedeh counties in April 2024.
Tamba said comparative electoral data, including voter turnout and invalid voting rates from 2025 to 2023, is analyzed during the period of reporting. “A post-election public perception survey was conducted in December 2023 to assess the views of the electorate,”
He also mentioned the pending referendum issues of Liberia, including the status of the current electoral law and the analysis of the 2022 census population data for constituency boundary delimitation. Comprehensive Assessment and Recommendations
Leon’s report provides a comprehensive assessment of the electoral cycle from 2022 to 2024, with 21 brief assessments summarizing key events before, during, and after the 2023 general and presidential elections.
The body of the report contains detailed observations and analysis.
Tamba said Leon conducted two rounds of sample-based election observation, with projected results consistent with the National Election Commission’s official results.
“The report assesses the 2023 presidential elections as largely peaceful, well-coordinated, and implemented in a timely manner.
Government and Public Response
“The government of Liberia and all citizens are commended for enabling orderly elections and conducting a successful transition of government with the formation of the 55th legislature and the inauguration of the 26th President of the Republic of Liberia,”
Speaking earlier, The Swedish Embassy representative at the program, Nikolina Stalhand, commended the conduct of the 2023 presidential and legislative elections in Liberia, highlighting the Swedish coordination and timely results despite challenges.
She noted that Liberia is noted as a regional and global role model for credible elections, attributing this success to the efforts of various stakeholders, including the National Elections Commission, international observers, media, and civil society.
“Despite progress, there are outstanding issues such as boundary delimitation, women’s political participation, and election score uncertainty.