Reported by: Naneka Hoffman
Monrovia, Liberia –A three-day Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections (BRIDGE) excellence training course on elections has ended with twenty-five National Elections Commission (NEC) staff on Friday, May 29, 2026. The goal of the workshop was to improve the commission’s organizational performance, teamwork, communication, ethical decision-making, and leadership.
Staff from NEC headquarters and field offices came together for the workshop, which was conducted in collaboration with UNDP as part of the Liberia Electoral Support Project, to discuss practical strategies for creating high-performing organisations that can provide transparent, inclusive, and trustworthy electoral services.
The initiative is overseen by UNDP and carried out in association with NEC, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), UN Women, and funding from Sweden, Ireland, and the European Union. Key components of institutional excellence, such as organisational culture; governance frameworks; leadership; knowledge management; coordination and communication; and people-centred performance, were the emphasis of the training.
NEC Chairperson Jonathan K. Weedor emphasised the need for ongoing education and professional growth in fortifying institutions and promoting organisational excellence as he concluded the session. “There is a difference between having a job and having a passion for your job. The commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated throughout this training show that NEC staff are passionate about serving the institution and the Liberian people,” Chairperson Weedor told participants.
Mr Weedor emphasized that knowledge remains one of the most valuable assets for professional and institutional success. “Knowledge is power,” he said. “No matter where you are or what position you hold, the acquisition of knowledge must remain a priority. The more we invest in learning and capacity development, the stronger our institution becomes.”
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to staff development and thanked UNDP and partners for supporting NEC’s institutional strengthening efforts. “We appreciate the support of our partners in helping build the capacity of our staff. Our goal is to ensure that NEC personnel possess the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to excel wherever they serve.”
Katherine Green, Chief Technical Advisor of the UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project, highlighted the central role of people in institutional development. “The strength of an institution is a reflection of the efforts and commitment of the people who make it work,” Green said. “This workshop is important because it goes beyond electoral operations to focus on the institution itself, how it functions and how it can continue to grow and improve.”
She pointed out that in order to keep institutions resilient, adaptable, and successful in carrying out their missions, knowledge management and ongoing learning are crucial. The chance to interact with a personalised BRIDGE curriculum was well received by the participants. Many said that the training was timely and useful, offering resources that they could use right away in their own tasks.
According to River Gee County Assistant Magistrate Danlette Tarlor Davis, the training improved attendees’ comprehension of moral leadership and responsible decision-making. “Every decision a leader makes affects other people,” she noted. “This training has reinforced the importance of thoughtful leadership and accountability.”
For Obediah Freeman, assistant magistrate from Lofa County, the workshop provided valuable lessons on communication, ethics, and information sharing that will enhance service delivery at the county level. The Liberia Electoral Support Project supports national institutions and processes to promote inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance in Liberia.
