Liberia: – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has suspended Madam Davidetta Browne- Lansanah, Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC), for time indefinite for actions deemed disruptive of public order and stability, according to the Executive Mansion.
Madam Browne-Lansanah’s suspension stemmed from investigation into recent protests by aggrieved employees of the Commission regarding administrative decisions she took without consultations.
Findings from the investigation established that Madam Browne-Lansanah unilaterally closed the offices of the Commission for a period of one month and dismissed 25 employees without the knowledge or approval of the Board of Commissioners as required by law.
The Liberian leader cited Section 2.1 and Section 2.10 (d) of the 1986 new election law, which vests the authority to conduct NEC affairs in the Board of Commissioners as a collective body.
“The law mandates that decisions involving collective measures against employees must be taken in consultation with the Board, not through the Chairperson or any other commissioner acting alone,” the release quoted the Liberian chief executive as stating.
“While the committee constituted to investigate the grievances of NEC workers was actively addressing the matter, Madam Browne-Lansanah unilaterally took precipitous and unilateral actions, thereby undermining the integrity and stability of the institution,” the statement said.
The Liberian leader expressed concerns that Madam Browne-Lansanah’s actions could adversely impact the Commission’s ability to conduct by-elections scheduled within the next two months, while also creating a toxic working environment at the Commission.
