Monrovia, Liberia — January 8, 2026: The Nationwide Elections Fee (NEC) of Liberia has issued a robust and uncompromising condemnation of a protest staged at its Higher Bong County Magisterial Workplace, describing the motion as illegal, deceptive, and a direct interference with the constitutional mandate of the Fee.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, concerned a bunch of younger people who stormed the NEC premises, posted placards, and superior claims the Fee says are “completely false and unsupported by legislation.”
In a press release launched Thursday, the NEC rejected assertions made by the protesters that Elections Magistrates and officers should be appointed solely from their counties of project.
The Fee emphasised that no such provision exists below Liberia’s Elections Regulation, branding the claims as harmful misinformation able to undermining public confidence within the electoral course of.
“The authority of the NEC to nominate Elections Magistrates is strictly administrative and organizational,” the Fee acknowledged, noting that appointments are guided by competence, expertise, and integrity, not by county of origin or native standing.
In response to the NEC, introducing such a requirement wouldn’t solely violate the legislation but additionally threaten the independence and professionalism of the electoral system.
On the middle of the controversy is the appointment of Mr. Alfred W. Tokpa as Elections Justice of the Peace for Higher Bong County.
NEC firmly defended Mr. Tokpa, describing him as a seasoned, long-serving workers member who beforehand served as a Regional Coordinator and has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the Fee’s core values. His appointment, the NEC careworn, was performed in full compliance with the Elections Regulation of Liberia.
“The Fee stands by Mr. Tokpa’s appointment,” the assertion learn. “He meets all required {qualifications} and exemplifies the requirements of professionalism, credibility, and integrity anticipated of NEC officers.” The NEC warned in opposition to makes an attempt to personalize or politicize administrative selections which are lawfully executed.
Past condemning the protest, the Fee issued a stern warning to people and teams throughout the nation in opposition to any actions that would disrupt the traditional operations of NEC workplaces. It warned {that a} repeat of such actions in Higher Bong County or elsewhere would depart the Fee with no selection however to hunt acceptable authorized treatments.
“Any interference with the lawful capabilities of the NEC will probably be met with the total weight of the legislation,” the Fee declared, signaling a zero-tolerance stance on acts that threaten electoral order and institutional authority.
Political observers say the NEC’s forceful response underscores rising tensions round electoral administration because the nation strikes nearer to future electoral milestones. Many have referred to as for calm, civic schooling, and respect for establishments mandated to safeguard democracy.
Signed by Communications Director Prince Dunbar, the assertion reaffirmed the NEC’s unwavering dedication to independence, transparency, and professionalism in administering public elections all through the Republic of Liberia. Because the mud settles in Higher Bong County, the Fee has made one factor clear: the rule of legislation, not mob stress, will govern Liberia’s electoral course of.
