The Commercial Court of Liberia has ordered the immediate closure of the National Elections Commission (NEC) and placed the institution’s assets up for sale to settle a debt of more than US$171,000 owed to a local business vendor.
The ruling, handed down by Associate Judge Chan-chan A. Paegar, stems from a case filed by M-Tosh Prints Media, Inc., represented by businessman Varney A. Fahnbulleh.
The plaintiff accused the NEC of failing to honor payments for services rendered, prompting the court to issue a writ of execution.
According to court documents in DN News possession, the writ commands the Acting Sheriff of the Commercial Court, Emmanuel Morris, to seize and auction NEC’s properties to recover the sum of US$171,105. If the sale of NEC’s assets fails to raise the full amount, the court has further ordered the arrest of Executive Chairperson Mrs. Davidetta Brown-Lansanah, members of the Board of Commissioners, and other authorized officers of the electoral body.
The writ states: “You are hereby commanded to seize and expose for sale the land, goods and chattels of the National Elections Commission… and if you cannot find any assets of interest… you are hereby ordered to bring the living body of Mrs. Davidetta Brown Lansanah, Executive Chairperson, Board of Commissioners and all other authorized officers of said entity before the Associate Judge of the Commercial Court to be dealt with in keeping with the law.”
The NEC headquarters in Monrovia was abruptly shut down following the ruling, leaving staff stranded outside the premises and sparking shock among eyewitnesses.
Observers say the ruling has sent ripples through the political and governance community, as the NEC is the body responsible for conducting elections in Liberia. The shutdown raises questions about the institution’s credibility, operations, and the broader implications for the country’s democratic process.
As of press time, NEC officials have not issued an official statement on the matter. Meanwhile, the plaintiff, M-Tosh Prints Media, has expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, insisting that the rule of law must be upheld.
The Commercial Court’s ruling, dated August 12, 2025, has placed the NEC in a legal and financial quagmire, one that could potentially undermine the country’s electoral framework if not resolved swiftly.
