IPNEWS: The National Elections Commission (NEC) of Liberia has begun a four-day high-level training aimed at boosting its capacity to counter election misinformation, strengthen information integrity, and improve crisis management during electoral periods.
The training, which opened on Monday in Monrovia, is organized by the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) with funding from the European Union in Liberia and technical support from the UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project.
It brings together NEC Commissioners, communications personnel, and technical staff for intensive sessions on safeguarding electoral processes in the digital era.
According to NEC, the initiative demonstrates its commitment to staying ahead of rapidly evolving threats to election credibility. The institution emphasized in a statement outlining the goals of the workshop.
Over the four days, participants will explore strategies for understanding information integrity, monitoring social media, detecting misinformation and disinformation, countering propaganda, and preventing digital interference. The training also includes modules on enhancing crisis communicationโan increasingly vital tool amid rising online manipulation and regional instability.
Dr. Anna Brzozowska, Team Leader for Governance at the European Union in Liberia, stressed the importance of preparedness as digital spaces become more vulnerable to political exploitation. She urged NEC staff to fully engage with experts and apply the lessons learned to real-world challenges.
NEC Commissioner Boakai Dukuly echoed those concerns, warning that disinformation poses serious risks to national stability. He underscored the need for rapid, accurate countermeasures to protect public trust. โElection credibility, peace, and confidence can be undermined in minutes in the digital environment. Our response must be timely and precise,โ he noted.
Participants will also take part in hands-on, scenario-based exercises, including vulnerability assessments, crisis simulations, and the development of counter-narratives to mitigate harmful misinformation. These efforts aim to build institutional resilience and reinforce public confidence ahead of future elections.
The UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Projectโimplemented with UN Women Liberia and the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), and supported by the European Union, Irish Aid, and the Embassy of Swedenโcontinues to back national institutions in promoting inclusive, transparent, and accountable democratic processes.
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