(Last Updated On: )

Amid Criticisms In Some Quarters

Despite mounting criticisms about his appointment given his active part in the ruling Unity Party’s 2023 campaign, Jonathan Weedor has taken over the affairs of NEC as acting Chairman, pending Senate confirmation.

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai recently nomination Weedo, who once served as a Commissioner at NEC, to replace Madam Davidetta Browne-Lansanah who resigned in mid-March about a year ahead of the expiration of her seven-year tenure due to what she said was family and other personal reasons.

NEC Chairman designate

But the naming of Mr. Weedor as her successor has sparked criticisms from various quarters of the Liberian political opposition and civil society, questioning his neutrality.

One of the criticisms has come from the opposition Alternative National Congress (ANC) of Mr. Alexander Cummings who said the nomination of Mr. Weedor undermines the independence and neutrality of Liberia’s key electoral body.

The ANC acknowledged Weedor’s years of service at the NEC but expressed “serious caution and deep concern” about his suitability to lead the Commission, citing questions over his impartiality and perceived ties to the ruling Unity Party.

“The ANC highlighted a widely circulated video from the 2023 General and Presidential Elections in which Weedor, while reportedly serving as a strategist in the Unity Party’s “war room,” appeared to celebrate and prematurely announce a first-round victory for the party. That claim was later contradicted by the official results released by the NEC itself,” the ANC’s press statement added.

BELOW IS FULL TEXT OF A NEC PRESS RELEASE ON HIS TAKEOVER:

Outgoing NEC Chairperson Formally Hands Over to Acting Chair, Pledges Continued Support

Monrovia, Liberia — 1 April 2026 — The outgoing Chairperson of the National Elections Commission of Liberia (NECㅡLiberia), Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah, has formally handed over leadership to the Acting Chairperson, Mr. Jonathan K. Weedor, marking a significant transition at the country’s Electoral Management Body (EMB) while emphasizing continuity and institutional stability.

At a brief turnover ceremony held at NEC headquarters on 9th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia, Madam Browne Lansanah welcomed the Acting Chairperson and his team, presenting an official turnover note that included a financial report and key institutional updates.

She disclosed that a General Auditing Commission (GAC) audit had been successfully conducted as part of accountability measures during her tenure.

In her remarks, the outgoing NEC Chairperson expressed gratitude to the President of Liberia for the opportunity to serve, and extended appreciation to NEC Secretariat and staff, her family, and the Liberian people for their support throughout her time in office.

She assured the new leadership of her availability to provide guidance whenever needed and reaffirmed her readiness to serve the country in any capacity if called upon by the President.

The outgoing Chairperson concluded by formally handing over the notes to her successor and wishing him success in his new role.

Taking over, Mr. Jonathan Weedor described his return to the NEC as a ‘homecoming’, expressing appreciation for the leadership of his predecessor and the Commission’s management team.

The NEC Acting Chairperson called for continued cooperation from both the leadership and staff, stressing that his mandate is to serve in the interest of Liberia.

He emphasized that there will be continuity in the Commission’s work and noted that preparations are underway to engage staff and begin implementing key priorities.

The transition comes at a critical time as the NEC continues efforts to strengthen electoral processes and uphold public trust in Liberia’s democratic institutions.

For more updates, follow NEC Liberia via:

www.necliberia.org⁠

Facebook: necliberia

#NECLiberia #LeadershipTransition #GoodGovernance #LiberiaDecides #ElectoralIntegrity #PublicService

Amid Criticisms In Some Quarters

You Might Be Interested In