Election group extols NEC and LNP for adequate handling of by-elections 

EISA has applauded all registered voters in Nimba and Grand Gedeh counties who exercised their democratic rights to vote in a peaceful and disciplined manner during the just-ended legislative by-elections.

By Lincoln G. Peters 

Monrovia, April 30, 2024: The Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa-International Elections Observation Mission (EISA-IEOM) has released its elections findings and report on the just-ended by-elections in Grand Gedeh and Nimba Counties.

EISA-IEOM, in its election report released Monday, April 29, 2024, expressed thanks and appreciation to the National Elections Commission (NEC) and the Liberia National Police (LNP) for their collaboration, consolidation, and preparation for the conduct of the by-elections.

But EISA-IEOM decried the low turnout and participation of voters during the by-elections.

“Despite the noticeable low turnout on by-election day, EISA acknowledges constructive efforts made collectively by the relevant national electoral stakeholders in preparation for the by-elections,” the group said. 

“EISA hails the commitment to democratic consolidation marked by adequate preparations by NEC and LNP, respect and tolerance among competing political parties, and continuous monitoring and support from domestic and international observer groups, alongside the diplomatic community,” it continued.

 Accordingly, the report further said that the 2024 senatorial and representative by-elections were a reaffirmation of the strength of democratic institutions in Liberia and a test of the commitment of Liberians to competitive, peaceful, and transparent electoral events.

Furthermore, EISA applauded all registered voters in Nimba and Grand Gedeh Electoral District #1 who took part in exercising their democratic rights to vote in a peaceful and disciplined manner.

EISA is a continental not-for-profit organization located in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire with field offices in the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Madagascar, Niger, Liberia Chad, and Sudan.

EISA has continental and sub-regional programs in the field of elections and democracy throughout Africa. EISA strives for excellence in the promotion of credible elections, domestic participation, and the strengthening of political institutions for sustainable democracy in Africa.

The USAID-funded EISA-IEOM Activity seeks to enhance the integrity of the 2023 Liberia Presidential and Legislative elections through the deployment of an independent international Election

Observer Mission (EOM) to monitor, assess, and report on all phases of the electoral process by international and regional benchmarks. 

The IEOM is implemented in close coordination with the financial support of USAID/Liberia and will complement the efforts of other electoral stakeholders.

Providing recommendations Based on its observations and consultations with electoral stakeholders, EISA offers the following recommendations to improve future elections in Liberia.

EISA-IEOM also urged NEC to provide customized training to female candidates, encompassing media preparation and guidance on addressing public perceptions and image management.