-Hail Pres. Boakai for Chairperson’s Suspension
By Vaye A. Lepolu
The aggrieved workers of the National Elections Commission (NEC) have called on the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to carry out a comprehensive audit of the Commission to ensure transparency and accountability. They accused the suspended Chairperson of carrying out some financial malpractices within the institution.
The spokesperson and director of Civil Voter Education Madam Dedded Pursah argued that Lansanah’s leadership had been characterized by authoritarian practices, mismanagement, and corruption, necessitating decisive action. By opting for suspension rather than outright dismissal, they believe that President Boakai has demonstrated a preference for institutional reform over punitive measures.
According to her, for over five years, NEC employees reportedly endured a challenging work environment under Lansanah’s leadership. They described the suspended NEC Chairperson’s management style as dictatorial. “Davidetta Brown Lasanah has a behavior of dismissing senior officials, ignoring established procedures, and suppressing dissent.”
The Director of CVE emphasized that allegations of financial malpractice further heightened their concerns. Notably, Lansanah was linked to a controversial deal involving Unique Solutions, a company accused of withdrawing large sums from NEC accounts without fulfilling contractual obligations. The firm allegedly delivered non-functional solar systems valued at over $200,000 while providing fully operational setups as kickbacks to Lansanah and NEC Executive Director Anthony K. Sengbe.
She also alleged that Lansanah undermined the collective authority of the NEC commissioners by unilaterally merging departments, dismantling the institution’s organogram, and controlling budgets for by-elections without consulting her colleagues. Staff transfers and travel opportunities were reportedly manipulated to serve her interests, further eroding trust within the commission.
Madam Dedded Pursah also stated that for the past three months, the NEC has struggled with an institutional crisis marked by fractured relationships and a toxic atmosphere. These challenges prompted the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to scale back its support, citing concerns about the commission’s functionality. The workers’ representatives stressed that Lansanah’s actions not only violated the rights of NEC employees but also undermined public trust in Liberia’s electoral process.
Suspended NEC boss Davidetta Brown Lasanah has demonstrated her penchant for the violation of laid down procedures and statutes governing the management and operations of the commission. She did not only exhibit respect for her fellow commissioners but also disregarded them over the last five years.
However, the spokesperson also said she has shown similar behavior to the Executive, she abrogated unto herself what the law has ascribed to the seven commissioners in violation of sections 2.10 and 2.4 of the 1986 new Elections law.
Meanwhile, she said President Boakai’s intervention has been widely welcomed, and opposition politicians, including Musa Bility and Acarious Gray, have criticized the move as politically motivated. Also, she dismissed these claims, emphasizing that the suspension was driven by concerns over national security and governance rather than partisan interests. The group accused opposition figures of politicizing an urgent issue of institutional reform.
In addition, she said NEC begins the recovery process, and the NEC has urged its workforce to resume regular duties starting January 20, 2025. They also called on international partners, particularly the UNDP, to reengage with the commission. Preparations for the upcoming by-election in Nimba County and efforts to restore public confidence in Liberia’s electoral system remain pressing priorities.
In her statement, Madam Dedded Pursah stressed that Lansanah’s suspension is not solely about addressing individual misconduct but about safeguarding the integrity of Liberia’s democratic processes. They described the NEC as a critical institution that serves as a bridge between peace and chaos, emphasizing the necessity of its stability for national security and democracy
She and other Aggrieved staff expressed optimism that President Boakai’s intervention will usher in meaningful reforms, fostering transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law within the NEC. This development, they believe, signals the beginning of a new chapter for Liberia’s electoral system.
