— As Carter Center concludes its democracy program
The Liberia Elections Observation Network (LEON) has transitioned into full self-sufficiency after seven years of strategic support from The Carter Center’s Democracy Program.
The official handover ceremony, held in Sinkor, Monrovia, on Tuesday, November 26, celebrated LEON’s evolution into an independent civil society organization dedicated to promoting democratic governance and accountability in Liberia.
Since its founding in 2017, LEON has played a critical role in monitoring electoral processes and promoting governance reforms. With funding from the Swedish International Development and Cooperation Agency (Sida), The Carter Center provided LEON with the technical and strategic guidance necessary to transform from an election observation network into a robust governance monitoring institution.
“This is a moment of pride and accomplishment,” said Robert David Irish, Project Lead of The Carter Center’s Democracy Program. “LEON’s transition to independence is a testament to the dedication and hard work of its leadership and members. It also reflects the success of Sida’s localization initiative to empower local organizations in Liberia.”
Irish emphasized that LEON’s independence does not signify the end of its impact but rather the beginning of a new chapter. “LEON is now ready to stand alongside other leading civil society organizations in Liberia, capable of receiving and managing direct donor funding to implement vital programs,” he added.
Over the years, LEON has made significant contributions to Liberia’s democratic processes. Its innovative use of the statistically based observation (SPO) methodology during the 2023 general elections earned widespread praise for enhancing transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.
As LEON transitions to independence, The Carter Center is confident in the network’s ability to sustain its impact. “While we close our ‘Strengthening Citizen Voices to Advance Electoral Reform and Democratic Governance’ project, we are confident that LEON will continue to champion democratic practices in Liberia,” Irish said.
He added, “Congratulations to LEON and its four network member organizations – the Liberia Crusaders for Peace, Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, National Union of the Organizations for the Disabled, and Federation of Liberian Youth. Together, they have achieved an important step towards self-sufficiency and independence.”
The Carter Center expressed gratitude to Sida for its unwavering support, which enabled LEON’s growth and capacity-building. Since 2019, LEON has produced 11 public perception surveys, prepared policy briefs on electoral reforms, and conducted groundbreaking citizen observation during elections.
“The achievements we celebrate today would not have been possible without Sida’s generosity and vision,” Irish added.
Highlighting these achievements, Kerstin Jonsson Cissé, Head of Development Cooperation at the Swedish Embassy, noted, “LEON has proven itself as a cornerstone of Liberia’s democratic development. From implementing SPO methodologies to publishing impactful policy briefs, LEON has consistently demonstrated its commitment to credible electoral processes and governance reforms.”
Cissé also praised LEON’s June 2024 policy brief, which called for timely constituency delimitations ahead of the next elections. “This issue is critical, and LEON’s advocacy underscores its role as a thought leader in shaping Liberia’s democratic future,” she said.
Cissé echoed this sentiment, expressing hope for continued collaboration. “While Sweden has not yet committed to direct funding for LEON, we recognize its potential as a partner and are optimistic about its future contributions to Liberia’s governance landscape,” she said.
LEON’s transition to self-sufficiency marks a significant step forward for civil society in Liberia. As one of the country’s leading governance organizations, LEON is now poised to play an even greater role in shaping the nation’s democratic future.
Now registered as an independent entity under Liberian law, LEON has outlined its vision for the future. Its Head of Secretariat, Augustine S.M. Tamba, shared a comprehensive plan for expanding LEON’s activities in the coming years.
“Our mission is to contribute to sustainable and inclusive democratic governance in Liberia,” Tamba explained. “We envision a credible and transparent electoral process, underpinned by values of transparency, impartiality, inclusion, and respect for human rights.”
LEON’s future programming will focus on core activities, including electoral process observation, public perception surveys, policy research and advocacy, and legislative monitoring. Tamba also emphasized the importance of integrating cross-cutting initiatives such as civic and voter education, social media monitoring, and gender equity into its operations.
Reflecting on LEON’s growth, Tamba added, “Since our establishment, we have achieved remarkable progress in both administrative and programmatic areas. Today, we stand as a fully functional organization with the capacity to advance democratic practices and governance reforms in Liberia.”
“This is not just an achievement for LEON; it is a victory for Liberia’s democratic aspirations,” Tamba concluded. “With continued support from national and international partners, we are ready to build on our successes and create a brighter future for all Liberians.”
The ceremony featured remarks from several high-profile dignitaries, including Catherine Rodriguez, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Liberia.
“It is an honor to celebrate this milestone with LEON,” Rodriguez said. “The Carter Center’s decades-long commitment to peace and democracy worldwide serves as an inspiration, and LEON’s transformation into a premier election observation network is a shining example of what local organizations can achieve with the right support.”
Rodriguez reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Liberia’s democratic journey. “Organizations like LEON demonstrate that Liberians are capable of addressing their own challenges and building a stronger, more prosperous future. We are proud to stand alongside you in this endeavor,” she said.
The Carter Center’s collaboration with LEON also received praise from key Liberian institutions, including the National Elections Commission (NEC). Floyd Oxley Sayor, who spoke on behalf of NEC Chairperson, Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah lauded LEON’s contributions to enhancing electoral integrity.
“The NEC values LEON’s work in fostering transparency and accountability in Liberia’s elections. Their independent observation efforts have been instrumental in building public trust in our democratic processes,” Sayor said.
The ceremony was marked by a symbolic handover from The Carter Center to LEON, marking the beginning of a new era for the network. Guests expressed optimism that LEON’s independence would inspire other Liberian civil society organizations to strive for greater self-reliance and impact.
