MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The suspended leadership of the National Elections Commission (NEC) is facing renewed scrutiny, as a group of aggrieved employees has called for a full audit by the General Auditing Commission (GAC). The workers are accusing former Chairperson Davidetta Brown Lansanah of financial misconduct and mismanagement during her time at the helm.
Madam Dedded Pursah, spokesperson for the group and Director of Civic and Voter Education, criticized Lansanah’s authoritarian management style, which she claimed created a toxic environment within the commission. She noted that under Lansanah’s leadership, senior staff were dismissed without due process, while dissent was stifled, causing widespread disillusionment among the workforce.
The allegations against Lansanah are serious, with accusations ranging from financial mismanagement to questionable dealings with contractors. One major concern revolves around the company Unique Solutions, which allegedly withdrew substantial amounts of money from NEC accounts without fulfilling contractual obligations. The company’s failure to deliver functional solar systems worth over $200,000, has raised alarms, with some suggesting that kickbacks were paid to Lansanah and Anthony K. Sengbe, the NEC’s Executive Director.
Pursah emphasized that Lansanah’s actions went beyond financial issues, pointing to her unilateral decisions that ignored the authority of the NEC’s commissioners. She accused Lansanah of dismantling the commission’s organizational structure, merging departments without consultation, and taking control of budgets meant for by-elections. These moves, according to Pursah, undermined the collective authority of the commission and eroded trust within the institution.
The atmosphere within the NEC has reportedly worsened in recent months, with the organization now facing a severe institutional crisis. According to reports, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has scaled back its support, citing concerns over the commission’s ability to function effectively under such instability. The workers believe that this ongoing crisis has also tarnished the reputation of Liberia’s electoral system, making it more difficult to gain public trust.
While Lansanah’s suspension has been welcomed by many within the commission, it has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures. Political leaders such as Musa Bility and Acarious Gray have accused President Joseph Boakai of using the suspension as a politically motivated tactic. However, Pursah rejected these claims, insisting that the suspension was necessary for the integrity of the NEC and Liberia’s democratic process.
Despite the political fallout, the workers are hopeful that the government’s intervention will lead to significant reforms. Pursah stressed that the focus should not be solely on individual misconduct, but on strengthening the institution itself. She highlighted that the NEC plays a vital role in maintaining peace and stability in the country, and any threat to its credibility could undermine national security.
With the NEC preparing to resume its regular functions on January 20, 2025, the employees are calling for international partners, particularly the UNDP, to reinstate their support. As the commission works to regain public confidence, efforts are underway to ensure smooth preparations for an upcoming by-election in Nimba County, one of the most critical electoral events in the near future.
The NEC staff, led by Pursah, are optimistic that reforms initiated by President Boakai’s administration will usher in a new era of transparency and accountability. They believe that Lansanah’s suspension is just the beginning of a broader overhaul aimed at restoring the commission’s legitimacy and ensuring its future success.
In conclusion, the workers hope that the audit will provide a clear picture of the extent of the financial mismanagement and other malpractices that have plagued the NEC. They are determined to see justice served, not only for the staff but also for the people of Liberia, whose trust in the electoral process has been severely shaken by the recent events.
