Liberia: Allegations of Internal Tensions Surface at NEC Following Alleged Staff Demotions and Reassignments By New Chairman

Monrovia – Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC) is reportedly experiencing growing internal tensions following a series of staff reassignments and administrative changes undertaken under the leadership of Chairman Jonathan T. Weedor.

The developments have sparked concerns among employees and observers who fear the changes could deepen divisions within the institution and undermine staff morale.

The NEC had previously endured periods of internal disagreements and staff dissatisfaction during the tenure of former Chairperson Davidetta Browne Lansanah. Following her resignation, many employees and election stakeholders had hoped the new leadership would prioritize unity, professionalism, and institutional stability.

However, a FrontPage Africa investigation has uncovered that the Commission recently implemented a series of personnel changes involving promotions, transfers, and reassignments, some of which employees contend amount to demotions.

Several staff members have expressed concern that the process may not have fully complied with established procedures, including the Civil Service Agency (CSA) Standing Orders and provisions of Liberia’s Decent Work Act.

Among those reportedly affected are Ignatius Wesseh, reassigned from Deputy Executive Director for Programs to Deputy Director for Monitoring and Evaluation, Cllr. Teage Jalloh, reassigned from Senior Legal Counsel to Deputy Hearing Officer, Pauline Kawreh, reassigned from Director of Human Resources to Deputy Director of Records; Beatrice Jlopkeh, reassigned from Special Assistant to the Chairperson to Deputy Director of Communications; and Emmanuel Hare, reassigned from Administrative Assistant to the Chairman to Logistics Officer.

Critics argue that some of the reassignments resulted in reductions in rank, responsibilities, and compensation, effectively constituting demotions.

Sources within the Commission allege that the personnel actions were approved through internal administrative communications endorsed by Chairman Weedor, with the support of the Co-Chairperson and two commissioners, while allegedly excluding the participation of three other commissioners.

The reported changes have generated concern among employees, some of whom argue that the actions may be inconsistent with provisions of the New Elections Law, the NEC Human Resource Manual, labor regulations, and principles embodied in Liberia’s Decent Work framework.

Legal experts familiar with civil service regulations contend that reassigned civil servants should retain salary levels and benefits equivalent to their previous positions, as provided for under Civil Service Agency standing orders.

The personnel changes have reportedly created uncertainty among staff and raised broader concerns about employee morale, institutional stability, and cohesion within the Commission.

Some employees also fear that the reassignments may disproportionately affect individuals perceived to have been aligned with the Commission’s previous leadership. Sources further claim that additional personnel actions may be implemented in the coming weeks.

Observers note that Chairman Weedor’s appointment had been widely viewed as an opportunity to strengthen unity, professionalism, and institutional neutrality within the election management body. However, reports of internal disagreements among senior officials continue to attract public attention.

Efforts by FrontPage Africa to obtain the Chairman’s response were unsuccessful. Chairman Weedor did not respond to inquiries up to the time of publication.

FrontPage Africa will continue to monitor developments and seek responses from the NEC Board of Commissioners, affected employees, relevant government agencies, and other stakeholders.