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President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has indefinitely suspended Davidetta Browne-Lansanah, Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC), citing unilateral actions in violation of Liberia’s Elections Law. The decision, announced through an Executive Mansion press release, comes in the wake of escalating tensions at the NEC, including worker protests and allegations of administrative overreach.
The suspension follows an investigation into recent grievances raised by NEC employees, who protested against what they described as unjust dismissals and poor working conditions. The probe revealed that Browne-Lansanah unilaterally closed the NEC office for one month and summarily dismissed 25 employees without consulting the Board of Commissioners, as required by Sections 2.1 and 2.10(d) of the Elections Law. These provisions explicitly mandate that the Board, as a collective body, must oversee all critical decisions, including those related to corrective measures against employees.
“While the committee constituted to investigate the grievances of NEC workers was actively addressing the matter, Madam Browne-Lansanah took precipitous and unilateral actions, thereby undermining the integrity and stability of the institution,” President Boakai stated in the press release. He further emphasized the potential ramifications of Browne-Lansanah’s actions, warning that they could destabilize the Commission at a critical time when by-elections are scheduled within the next two months.
This latest development is the culmination of a series of controversies surrounding Browne-Lansanah’s tenure as NEC Chairperson. The Commission has been marred by internal discord, allegations of financial mismanagement, and accusations of autocratic leadership, all of which have cast a shadow over its ability to uphold its mandate.
Background of Controversy
Tensions at the NEC have been simmering for months. In November 2024, employees staged a protest at the Commission’s headquarters, demanding hazard benefits owed to them for their work during the 2023 Presidential and Legislative elections. Workers alleged that despite the grueling and often dangerous conditions they faced in remote regions, they had received no additional compensation. The protest culminated in Browne-Lansanah’s decision to dismiss 40 employees, an act widely condemned as excessive and unilateral.
The dismissed employees, led by spokesperson Rennie Gleegbar, accused Browne-Lansanah of creating a hostile environment and acting outside the bounds of her authority. “We do not deserve dismissal. We do not even deserve suspension because we have done nothing wrong,” Gleegbar stated. He and other dismissed staff petitioned the government for intervention, arguing that their termination violated due process.
NEC commissioners Floyd Oxley Sayor and Cllr. P. Teplah Reeves also voiced their discontent, accusing Browne-Lansanah of sidelining the Board and making critical decisions without consultation. Sayor specifically cited her handling of the NEC’s $53 million election budget, alleging that the Chairperson had spent large sums without Board approval and failed to provide adequate financial documentation. “She is running NEC unilaterally, and this is not in the interest of the Commission,” Sayor remarked in an earlier interview with the Daily Observer.
Reeves, for her part, denied allegations that she and other commissioners had instigated the protests. She maintained that employees acted independently in demanding their rights, emphasizing that the ongoing crisis was a direct result of Browne-Lansanah’s leadership style. “She has the gavel, and the way she is running things continues to come right back at her,” Reeves said.
Impact on NEC Operations
The controversy has raised concerns about the NEC’s ability to function effectively. With critical by-elections looming, the Commission’s stability and public trust are paramount. President Boakai, in his statement, underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that the NEC operates transparently and in accordance with the rule of law. “The Government of Liberia remains committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in all institutions, particularly the NEC, which plays a critical role in upholding Liberia’s democratic principles,” he declared.
The President’s decision to suspend Browne-Lansanah has been viewed as a necessary step to restore order and confidence in the Commission. Analysts note that the NEC’s credibility is vital not only for the upcoming by-elections but also for maintaining public trust in the democratic process. However, the suspension also raises questions about the broader structural issues within the NEC, including the need for reforms to clarify roles and responsibilities among its leadership.
The ongoing crisis has reignited calls to amend Liberia’s Elections Law to prevent similar situations in the future. Sayor has been a vocal advocate for reforms, suggesting that commissioners be assigned roles based on their expertise to promote collaboration and accountability. He also called for changes to the law requiring the Chairperson to preside over meetings, arguing that this provision grants disproportionate power to one individual.
“There is a need for amendment to clearly define the role of each Commissioner,” Sayor argued. “This way, there’s a balance, and everyone would feel important and work hard to accomplish something.”
While Browne-Lansanah’s suspension may provide temporary relief, it also highlights the deep-seated challenges within Liberia’s electoral system. The NEC, as the custodian of the country’s democratic process, must address these issues to regain public confidence and ensure its ability to conduct free, fair, and credible elections.
The NEC’s future now hinges on the government’s ability to address the underlying issues that have plagued the institution. Browne-Lansanah’s suspension, while significant, is only the first step in what must be a comprehensive effort to reform the Commission. As Liberia prepares for critical electoral events, the government and NEC leadership must prioritize transparency, accountability, and inclusivity to uphold the country’s democratic principles.
As the investigation into NEC’s internal affairs continues, all eyes will be on the government’s next steps. The challenge lies not only in addressing immediate grievances but also in laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient electoral system capable of withstanding future crises.
