By: Titus W. Tokpah, Sr. | Communications Director
The National Elections Commission of Liberia (NEC-Liberia), as an autonomous and constitutionally established public institution, continues to provide leadership that safeguards Liberia’s electoral processes. Over the years, the NEC has been credited for conducting free, transparent, and credible elections across the country, ranging from general elections to special, and by-elections.
An internationally funded survey by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP-Liberia) further underscored the credibility of the NEC when it reported that 91 percent of the Liberian public considers the institution credible and trusts it to lead the country’s electoral processes.
Coupled with these achievements and the need to keep the Commission in a forward movement, the NEC Secretariat successfully implemented a two-part leadership retreat for senior members of the Secretariat ㅡ including the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Directors, Directors ㅡ and staff of the Commissioners in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County from 13 ㅡ 14 March 2026.
Facilitated by three distinguished professionals ㅡ Prof. Wilson K. Tarpeh, Rev. Foday Karpeh, and Dr. Theophilus Dowetin, an election expert ㅡ the retreats witnessed participants making personal commitments to ensuring that the Commission maintains progress while strengthening its systems, professionalism, and institutional reforms.
Participants also pledged to avoid actions that could reverse the gains the Electoral Management Body (EMB) continues to make, such as internal conflicts, inefficiency, or complacency that could slow the Commission’s work.
Instead, the NEC remains steadfast and committed to promoting innovation and improvement ㅡ continuously building stronger electoral processes, communication systems, and administrative practices.
The Buchanan retreat, held under the theme ‘Empowering Leadership for Collective Success through Accountability and Transparency,’ helped reinforce the NEC Secretariat’s commitment to conducting electoral activities with transparency and accountability while fostering a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and ethical leadership.
One key outcome was the emphasis on ensuring a clear understanding of the chain of command and improving strategic planning, including the implementation of cost-saving initiatives. The retreat also highlighted the Commission’s core values ㅡ Independence, Professionalism, Inclusivity, Accountability, Transparency, Integrity, and Impartiality ㅡ ensuring that the actions of all staff serve the collective good of Liberia rather than personal interests.
The event further provided participants with the opportunity to reflect on their roles, clarify the relationship between the Secretariat and the Board of Commissioners (BoC), and engage in team-building exercises. These activities created a stronger platform for effective decision-making and encouraged ethical leadership rooted in national service and love for country.
Considering the lessons learned from these retreats, along with the earlier retreat held for the BoC and other previous and ongoing activities, it is fair to conclude that the NEC is indeed moving forward, as urged by Rev. Foday Karpeh, one of the facilitators.
The BoC and all EMB staff must therefore continue to keep the Commission on this progressive path ㅡ focused on team building, financial sustainability, conflict management, ethical integrity, and the spiritual leadership insights shared by the facilitators.
In doing so, the NEC will remain that moral voice that leads and guides Liberia’s electoral processes, ensuring that the democratic will of the Liberian people is always protected.
