Monrovia — The Inter-Party Consultative Committee has formally endorsed Hon. Jonathan K. Weedor for appointment as Acting Chairman/Chairman of the National Elections Commission (NEC), signaling a major show of cross-party support for leadership at Liberia’s electoral body.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
The decision was reached during a gathering of political party representatives at the headquarters of the National Patriotic Party, where the Inter-Party Consultative Committee —Liberia’s legally recognized platform for collaboration among registered political parties—adopted a resolution backing Weedor’s nomination.
In the resolution, the committee emphasized that the National Elections Commission, established under Article 89 of the 1986 Constitution, plays a central role in safeguarding the integrity of Liberia’s democratic process. The body stressed that leadership at the Commission must reflect independence, impartiality, and professional competence.
Citing Article 54(c) of the Constitution, which empowers the President to appoint public officials subject to Senate confirmation, the Commitee called on the Liberian Senate to act “in a timely, transparent, and impartial manner” in considering Weedor’s nomination.
The committee said its endorsement aligns with key provisions of the New Elections Law of Liberia, including Sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.9, and 2.10, which define the structure, authority, and responsibilities of the Elections Commission in administering elections and maintaining public confidence.
“The position of Chairman or Acting Chairman of the NEC is critical to ensuring continuity, stability, and credibility in the administration of elections,” the resolution stated.
According to the Committee, Weedor was selected based on “integrity, competence, neutrality, and experience,” with the majority of member parties agreeing that his leadership would strengthen electoral governance in the country.
The resolution further reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to peaceful, credible, and transparent elections, underscoring the importance of public trust in Liberia’s democratic institutions.
The document was signed by representatives of several political parties, including the Unity Party, Liberty Party, All Liberian Party, and others, reflecting broad-based political backing for Weedor’s candidacy. However, top opposition parties including the Coalition for Democratic Change, Alternative National Congress and the Citizens Movement for Change did not affix their signatures.
The Inter-Party Consultative Committee’s endorsement is expected to provide a significant boost for Weedor, whose nomination by Joseph Nyuma Boakai drew mixed reactions. Critics have argued that he was affiliated with the ruling Unity Party during the 2023 presidential and legislative elections.
During that electoral period, Weedor and former Elections Commission Chairman James Fromoyan were actively involved in the Unity Party’s campaign. A viral social media video shows both men addressing a press conference in which they predicted a first-round victory for the party. However, the election proceeded to a runoff, which the Unity Party narrowly won against the then-ruling Coalition for Democratic Change.
With the endorsement secured, attention now shifts to the Liberian Senate for confirmation, as stakeholders emphasize the need to uphold stability and public confidence in the country’s electoral system.
