The National Elections Commission (NEC) and leaders of 46 registered political parties in Liberia have signed a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming their joint commitment to peaceful, inclusive, and transparent electoral processes.
The signing ceremony was held on Tuesday, 15 July 2025, at the NEC headquarters in Monrovia. It marked the conclusion of a consultative process led by the Commission, facilitated through the Inter-Party Consultative Committee (IPCC).
The initiative is supported technically by the UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP), funded by the European Union, Irish Aid, and the Embassy of Sweden.
This revised MoU includes essential provisions to promote peaceful political engagement and effective dispute resolution, strengthen inter-party dialogue and cooperation with the NEC, improve gender equality, encourage youth participation, and ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in political processes, while also enhancing the framework and effectiveness of the IPCC as a trusted forum for consensus-building.
NEC Chairperson Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah described the agreement as a landmark achievement. “This process has been guided by due diligence and mutual respect. It reflects our collective resolve to safeguard the integrity of Liberia’s electoral processes.”
The ceremony was attended by Liberia’s international development partners, including representatives of ECOWAS, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United Nations, all of whom praised the consultative nature of the MoU’s revision.
Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah, ECOWAS Resident Representative to Liberia, noted, “The IPCC is one of the most instrumental institutions in Liberia’s democratic journey, enabling consensus and reinforcing governance within the framework of law and order.”
Swedish Ambassador Karl Backéus stated, “The signing of this MoU reflects Liberia’s growing democratic maturity. Sweden is proud to support this inclusive process.”
Simon Tooth, Chargé d’Affaires at the British Embassy, urged parties to uphold the agreement. “I encourage all political actors to commit fully to this MoU. It sets critical boundaries and guidelines for cooperation that will sustain Liberia’s democratic gains.”
Speaking on behalf of Liberia’s political parties, Kansualism Kansua expressed appreciation to the NEC. “We thank the NEC for its tireless effort. This MoU is a perfect and timely guide for our collective engagement.”
Stanley Kamara, Head of UNDP’s Governance Pillar, delivered remarks on behalf of UN partners. “This MoU embodies our shared aspiration for peaceful political engagement, mutual trust, and inclusive democracy.”
The revised MoU will serve as a working framework to guide political cooperation and strengthen the role of the IPCC in resolving electoral challenges.
LESP is implemented in partnership with UN Women and the Netherlands Institute for Multi-Party Democracy (NIMD). It supports national institutions and processes that promote inclusive and accountable democratic governance.
