-Reaffirms Appointment Authority
Monrovia: – The National Elections Commission (NEC) of Liberia has strongly condemned a protest that occurred at its Upper Bong County Magisterial Office on Wednesday, January 7. In a statement issued Thursday, January 8, 2026, the Commission characterized the demonstrators’ actions as unlawful interference and their core demand as a violation of national election law.
The incident involved a group of young individuals who posted placards at the office premises. The protest centered on the demand that the appointment of Elections Magistrates be restricted exclusively to natives of the counties to which they are assigned. The NEC, in its statement, dismissed this claim as “false, misleading, and unsupported by the Elections Law of Liberia.”
“The Commission categorically states that such claims are false, misleading, and unsupported by the Elections Law of Liberia,” the statement read. It further denounced “any action by individuals or groups that amounts to interference with the lawful functions of the Commission.”
The NEC clarified that its authority to appoint magistrates is a strictly administrative function designed to ensure efficiency, transparency, and credibility nationwide. “This authority is in no way contingent upon a birth-county or native-status requirement,” the Commission asserted, emphasizing that appointments are based on professional qualification and organizational need.
In defense of its current appointment, the NEC highlighted the credentials of the Upper Bong County Elections Magistrate, Mr. Alfred W. Tokpa. Described as a “seasoned and long-serving staff member,” Mr. Tokpa previously served as a Regional Coordinator. The Commission stated his appointment was made “in full compliance with the Elections Law” and that he “exemplifies the core values and professional standards of the Commission.”
The Commission cautioned against any repetition of such activities, warning that further disruptions would trigger legal action. “Any recurrence of such unlawful activities… will compel the Commission to pursue appropriate legal remedies, and those involved will face the full weight of the law,” the statement warned.
The NEC reiterated its commitment to its foundational principles, concluding, “The National Elections Commission of Liberia remains steadfast in upholding its core values of independence, credibility, transparency, and professionalism in the administration of public elections throughout the Republic of Liberia.”
