Aggrieved workers of the National Elections Commission (NEC) have vowed to resist any attempt by President Joseph Boakai to reinstate suspended NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne-Lansanah.
According to the workers, they have received multiple reports that top international, regional, and national leaders are misleading President Boakai into believing that the absence of Madam Browne-Lansanah at the NEC will affect the country’s democratic image, thereby persuading him to reinstate her.
In a more resounding tone, the workers’ spokesperson, Rennie Boakai Gleegbar, stated that if President Boakai falls prey to such counsel, there will be no by-election held in Nimba County.
Gleegbar described the suspended NEC chairperson as an intolerable individual who lacks human relations, noting that they can no longer work with her.
The tension between the NEC staff and Madam Browne-Lansanah escalated following her unilateral decision to dismiss approximately 25 employees for what she termed as gross insubordination during a protest at the NEC headquarters.
In response to these actions, President Boakai indefinitely suspended Madam Browne-Lansanah for violating the Elections Law, citing her unilateral closure of the NEC office for one month and the dismissal of 25 employees without consulting the NEC Board of Commissioners.
Following her suspension, Madam Browne-Lansanah attempted to return to her office but was chased out by aggrieved staffers, who warned her not to return unless President Boakai formally communicates her reinstatement to the Board of Commissioners.
The situation remains tense as NEC staff continue to express a vote of no confidence in the suspended chairperson, urging President Boakai to prevent her return to the Commission.
