By Darious Dapae—Sinoe County Reporter
BUCHANAN, Liberia – National Elections Commission (NEC) Chairman Jonathan K. Weedor has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent, and credible elections as it intensifies civic and voter education activities across Liberia.
Speaking on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, during a media engagement session held as part of the ongoing Media-Elections Workshop, Weedor stressed that sustained civic and voter education remains critical to strengthening democracy and increasing public confidence in the electoral process. The workshop brought together more than 25 participants, including NEC officials, community radio journalists, and media practitioners from across the country.
According to Weedor, voter education should not be limited to election periods but conducted continuously to ensure citizens remain informed about their electoral rights and responsibilities. He said an informed electorate is essential to safeguarding democratic governance and promoting peaceful elections.
The NEC Chairman disclosed that the Commission is expanding civic and voter education initiatives nationwide to improve public awareness of electoral processes and encourage broader citizen participation. He also highlighted the media’s role in supporting democratic elections through accurate and timely reporting.
“Our objective is to ensure peace before, during, and after elections,” Weedor said. He added that “responsible journalism and factual reporting are crucial in combating misinformation and strengthening transparency throughout the electoral process.”
Also speaking at the event, James Kpargoi, Communications Specialist for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP), reaffirmed the organization’s support to the NEC and acknowledged the contributions of development partners, including the European Union, Ireland, Sweden, and UN Women, toward strengthening Liberia’s democratic institutions.Meanwhile, Press Union of Liberia (PUL) President Julius Kanubah called for closer collaboration between the NEC and the media, noting that such cooperation would help boost public confidence and improve professionalism in election reporting.
The Executive Director of the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP), Malcolm W. Joseph, described the workshop as “an important step toward promoting democratic values and informed citizen participation.
“Representing the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FEJAL), Varnetta Johnson-Freeman urged the NEC to remain committed to conducting elections in a transparent, accountable, and professional manner.
The Media-Elections Workshop is expected to conclude in Monrovia, where senior media executives and editors will provide recommendations on the draft NEC Communications Strategy, Policy, and Protocols.
