Reported by: Naneka Hoffman
Buchanan, Bassa County – The second phase of consultations on the Commission’s draft Communications Strategy, Policy, and Protocol started on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in Buchanan, Bassa County, under the direction of National Elections Commission (NEC) Chairperson Jonathan K. Weedor, who reaffirmed the NEC’s commitment to strengthening institutional communication across Liberia.
The 27 participants in the three-day consultation include NEC magistrates from eight counties, managers of community radio stations, and representatives of significant media and civil society organizations, including the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP), the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), and the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJAL).
The forum is currently reviewing and validating draft materials that will guide the Commission’s public communication before, during, and after elections. Chairperson Weedor stressed in his opening remarks that the NEC’s duties stretch well beyond election day and that effective communication is crucial to making sure Liberians are aware of the Commission’s continuing obligations throughout the election cycle.
“There are many activities that take place before and after elections, yet due to limited public information, some citizens believe the Commission exists only during elections. We must work more closely with the media and civil society to ensure that the public is consistently informed about our work at every stage of the electoral cycle,” Chairperson Weedor stated.
Strengthening communication systems is essential to increasing openness, fostering public trust, and promoting democratic governance, he said, describing the consultation as both vital and relevant. Weedor emphasized that the Commission’s responsibility extends beyond election day and emphasized the Commission’s dedication to increasing information access and institutionalizing ongoing civic and voter education. “Public information should be a cardinal priority. We rely on the media and civil society to reach every corner of Liberia.”
The Liberia Electoral Support Project was also praised by the NEC Chairperson, who called it “a reliable partner” in promoting Liberia’s democratic progress. He was certain that further cooperation would improve the NEC’s ability to successfully engage citizens. He stated that the finalization of the NEC Communications Strategy, Policy, and Protocol will be influenced by the recommendations from these regional engagements, offering a more robust and well-coordinated framework for public communication and stakeholder engagement across the country.
With funding from the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden, the consultation, which is supported by the Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP) run by UNDP in collaboration with UN Women, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), and the NEC, serves as a crucial forum for communication between the Commission, media players, and civil society organizations.
Speaking during the session, the LESP Communications Specialist Mambu James Kpargoi, on behalf of the project, reaffirmed continued support to the NEC in building a robust and sustainable communication system that promotes transparency, counters misinformation, and strengthens public trust between elections.
Media stakeholders also welcomed the initiative. Speaking on behalf of the Press Union of Liberia, its president, Julius Kanubah, emphasized the critical role of the media in strengthening the credibility of electoral institutions, while Varnetta Johnson Freeman of FeJAL highlighted the importance of accurate, balanced, and timely reporting in fostering peaceful and inclusive elections.
The ongoing consultation in Buchanan follows an earlier session held in Ganta, Nimba County. With the objective to promote inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance throughout Liberia, the Liberia Electoral Support Project continues to support national institutions and procedures.
