As widely noted for his bold questioning during public and confirmation hearings, especially on matters of national importance, Montserrado County Senator has raisen serious concerns during a confirmation hearing of the Chairman-Designate of the National Elections Commission (NEC).
Senator Dillon requested that NEC Chairman-Designate Jonathan K. Weedor provide evidence of his resignation from his former political party in order to properly inform his vote on the nomination.
The Senator’s demand is rooted in Section 2.5 of Liberia’s New Elections Law, which states: “No Commissioner, election officer, or any employee of the Elections Commission shall be a member or an affiliate of any political party… nor shall any Commissioner… canvass for any elective public office, directly or indirectly.”
Senator Dillon believes that the production of a resignation letter or proof of resignation from the nominee’s former political party is essential to establishing public confidence and ensuring clarity regarding the neutrality and independence of the head of the country’s electoral body.
During the confirmation hearing held on Thursday, May 28, Jonathan K. Weedor informed the Liberian Senate that he previously served as the Organizing Chairman of the Liberia National Union (LNU), a political party from which he resigned in 2004 upon his nomination, confirmation, and subsequent appointment by the Interim Government to serve at the National Elections Commission.
As a leading advocate for record-based discussions and a ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Dillon stated that such documentation is vital to the confirmation process and would help guide his final decision regarding the nominee.
Further questioning the NEC Chairman-Designate, Senator Dillon highlighted concerns surrounding the setting of electoral thresholds by the Legislature for constituency structuring and seat apportionment by the National Elections Commission, as provided for under Article 80(d) and (e) of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia.
The Senator specifically asked whether the acting NEC Chairman would have the courage and independence to ensure that the Legislature acts in accordance with the Constitution and electoral laws.
Senator Dillon also emphasized the persistent issue of “voter trucking” during elections, describing it as a troubling practice that continues to undermine the credibility of the country’s electoral process.
Responding to concerns regarding threshold-setting and constituency structuring, the NEC Chairman Designate stated that any advice he offers would be strictly guided by the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which grants the Legislature the authority to establish electoral thresholds, while mandating the NEC to handle the apportionment of seats.
Additionally, Senator Dillon championed advocacy for the inclusion of Liberians in the diaspora in Liberia’s voting process, arguing that Liberians living abroad should be allowed to vote in national elections. In response, Commissioner-Designate Weedor acknowledged the importance of the concern and stated that the NEC would carefully examine the matter.
The Senator also referenced Section 5(a) of Liberia’s New Elections Law, which addresses electoral participation thresholds for political parties and independent candidates.
Section 5(a) states: “Any political party or independent candidate obtaining less than one percent (1%) of the total valid votes cast in an election shall be denied the right to participate in the next election.”
According to the Elections Law, candidates or political parties that fail to obtain at least one percent of the valid votes cast may face suspension from participating in subsequent elections, in keeping with the provisions of the law.
Senator Dillon asked the nominee whether the NEC under his leadership would fully enforce the law, to which Hon. Weedor reportedly committed himself to upholding the Elections Law in accordance with its provisions.
For some time now, there have been an opposition fury in over President Joseph Boakai’s nomination of Jonathan K. Weedor as the new Chairman of the National Elections Commission (NEC), following the resignation of former chairperson Davidetta Browne-Lansanah.
The opposition and civil society groups accuse President Boakai of appointing a partisan ally, which they argue severely compromises the independence and neutrality of the country’s highest electoral umpire.
The Alternative National Congress (ANC) and other opposition parties cited a widely circulated video from the 2023 elections. They allege the video shows Weedor prematurely celebrating and endorsing a victory for President Boakai’s Unity Party (UP).
Advocacy groups like Solidarity Trust for New Day (STAND) assert that Weedor was actively involved in campaign-related activities for the current ruling party. They argue this creates an immediate conflict of interest.
The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) termed the appointment “dangerous” and a “breach of public trust”. They warned that putting a perceived partisan actor in charge risks triggering political instability ahead of upcoming midterm contests and the 2029 general elections.
To counter what they deem a compromised commission, the CDC announced the creation of its own 9-Member internal parallel elections oversight team led by former Representative Acarus Moses Gray.
Multiple opposition factions and youth groups, such as the Students Unification Party (SUP), have formally petitioned the Liberian Senate to reject Weedor’s confirmation.
The Liberia Alternative People’s Party (LAPP) went a step further by submitting an official complaint to the United States Government, asking foreign partners to intervene to protect Liberia’s fragile democratic peace.
President Boakai’s office and his supporters have continued to defend the nomination based on Weedor’s deep institutional knowledge. Weedor served as an NEC Commissioner from 2004-2020 and has led international election observation missions for ECOWAS and the African Union.
During his confirmation hearings before the Liberian Senate, Weedor directly dismissed concerns of bias. He emphasized that his leadership would strictly adhere to the letters of the Liberian Electoral Law rather than personal political preferences.
Ruling party backers point out that alternating between administrative roles and political activities is common in Liberia. They noted that previous NEC chiefs under the former CDC administration also had clear past political affiliations.
