The Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC) has honoured the Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Mahmood Yakubu for the technical support rendered by INEC to NEC and for deepening democracy in Liberia
The event also marked the dedication of a workspace for staff, officiated by Prof. Yakubu at the invitation of Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah, Chairperson of NEC Liberia.
In her address, Madam Lansanah acknowledged the pivotal technical support rendered by INEC Nigeria and Professor Yakubu in establishing the Workspace and bolstering the electoral process in Liberia.
She emphasized NEC Liberia’s profound gratitude for the indispensable contributions made by Professor Yakubu and INEC Nigeria in sustaining Liberia’s democratic journey.
Recalling Professor Yakubu’s role as President of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC), Madam Lansanah highlighted his advocacy for resource-sharing among regional Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs).
She commended his influential efforts, resulting in Liberia’s election as the First Vice President of ECONEC in 2021 and expressed gratitude for his steadfast backing of NEC-Liberia in various regional endeavours.
In his response, Professor Yakubu expressed heartfelt appreciation to NEC-Liberia for the esteemed honour bestowed upon INEC Nigeria in dedicating the workspace for staff.
He emphasized the value of this resource in enhancing the operational capabilities of staff, particularly through IT facilities.
Reflecting on past collaborations, Yakubu recalled INEC’s assistance during Liberia’s 2017 Presidential election.
He highlighted the joint efforts of IT experts from INEC and NEC-Liberia in addressing stakeholders’ concerns regarding the voters’ register.
Furthermore, he noted INEC’s technical support ahead of subsequent special elections, the 2020 referendum facilitated by ECOWAS, and the implementation of the biometric register in the recent general election.
Emphasizing the significance of inter-EMB collaboration, Professor Yakubu underscored the complexity of election management and urged prioritizing peer support amid limited resources and escalating election costs.
The event witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Liberia, Christine N. Umutoni; Mr. Manir Ibrahim, Charge d’affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Liberia; the Representative of the Liberian Bar Association, alongside the Co-Chairperson, Members of the Board of Commissioners, senior officials, and well-wishers of NEC Liberia.
