IPNEWS: The National Elections Commission (NEC) of Liberia has taken a major step in strengthening transparency, public participation, and institutional coordination in the country’s upcoming boundary delimitation review.
In a dynamic, daylong advocacy strategy session held at the European Union Delegation offices, on Wednesday 18 February 2026, NEC convened civil society organizations (CSOs), media practitioners, and electoral stakeholders to collectively chart the path toward a credible and peoplecentered review process.
The gathering—organized under the UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project, implemented by NEC and UNDP with support from the European Union, Irish Aid, and the Government of Sweden—marked a significant moment in Liberia’s electoral reform journey.
Far from a routine meeting, it became a collaborative space where participants confronted challenges, clarified their roles, and aligned visions around a shared democratic purpose.
A Call to Collective Responsibility
Opening the session, NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne Lansanah delivered a strong message about civic responsibility and the essential role of CSOs in safeguarding transparency.
Her remarks highlighted how civil society remains a crucial bridge between institutions and citizens assuring that information flows accurately, communities stay informed, and the public remains engaged throughout the boundary review.
She reaffirmed NEC’s unwavering commitment to conducting the exercise “in a transparent, inclusive, and lawful manner,” underscoring that genuine stakeholder engagement is not optional—it is foundational to achieving a credible outcome.
Speaking on behalf of UNDP, Roosevelt Zayzay, Program Officer with the Liberia Electoral Support Project, emphasized the delicate nature of boundary delimitation and managing its sensitivity through collaboration.
He noted that these processes carry significant technical, political, and social implications, requiring robust coordination and strategic communication to reduce risks and strengthen public trust.
Zayzay’sremarks reinforced the importance of a multistakeholder approach—one that brings together technical experts, communicators, and community actors to jointly navigate the complexities of the review.
Identifying Challenges & Building Solutions
Throughout the session, participants engaged in evidence-driven conversations around the country’s unique boundary delimitation challenges, including gaps and inconsistencies in administrative and geographical data, public misconceptions about what boundary delimitation means for constituency representation, the need for clearer institutional responsibilities, limited public awareness of the purpose and impact of boundary changes and the importance of strengthening civic engagement and media outreach
Stakeholders also examined Liberia-specific risks, including the potential for misinformation, politicization of the process, and logistical constraints if roles and expectations are not clearly aligned.
Designing the Framework for Action, the working sessions yielded several concrete outcomes to guide the months ahead.
These included draft Terms of Reference for the HighLevel Steering Committee, a roadmap for establishing a Technical Working Group, formation planning for the NEC Boundary Delimitation Task Force, a communications and civic education strategy to strengthen outreach and stakeholder understanding as well as dynamic action plans outlining institutional responsibilities, advocacy priorities, and risk mitigation measures.
These collaborative outputs will feed directly into preparations for the nationwide boundary review, scheduled as a key component of Liberia’s electoral reform efforts ahead of the 2029 General Elections.
The boundary delimitation review forms an integral part of Liberia’s broader commitment to strengthening electoral integrity and democracy through partnership and ensure fair representation.
Through the Liberia Electoral Support Project, NEC and UNDP—together with partners such as UN Women, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, with funding from the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden—continue to empower national institutions to uphold transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.
A Shared Vision for a More Representative Liberia
As the session concluded, participants left with renewed motivation and a shared understanding that the credibility of the boundary review process rests not only on technical expertise but on collective involvement, open communication, and trust between institutions and the citizens they serve.
With strengthened collaboration, clearer structures, and a unified approach to public engagement, Liberia is taking meaningful strides toward a more representative electoral landscape—one where every citizen’s voice and location matter.
