The Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC), Jonathan K. Weedor, is pushing for the utilization and prioritization of Liberian experts – qualified Liberian professionals – in capacity-building and institutional development programs. His call is directed at development partners who often use foreign expertise to undertake programs Liberians experts are capable of doing.
Chairperson Weedor made it clear that Liberian experts possess a better understanding of the country’s governance system, legal framework, institutional challenges, and socio-political environment, positioning them to provide practical solutions that reflect local realities.
He made the statement Thursday, July 23, 2026, during the opening of Phase Two of the NEC Capacity Assessment Review Consultation held at the Commission’s headquarters on 9th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia.
According to Weedor, the NEC under his leadership will continue to collaborate with qualified national consultants alongside international experts, stressing that Liberian professionals have the ability to contribute meaningfully to institutional reforms.
While recognizing the important role played by international consultants, the NEC Chairperson emphasized the need to invest more in developing and utilizing national expertise, particularly in areas related to capacity building and public sector transformation.
He noted that empowering Liberian consultants would promote national ownership of reform initiatives while creating a sustainable pool of professionals capable of supporting institutional development across government institutions.
Meanwhile, UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP) Programme Officer Roosevelt Zayzay praised the NEC for its commitment to strengthening its institutional capacity.
Zayzay reaffirmed the LESP’s continued support to the Commission’s reform agenda as Liberia prepares for future electoral processes.
The second phase of the Capacity Assessment Review Consultation is aimed at gathering strategic recommendations from members of the NEC Board of Commissioners on institutional sustainability and the implementation of key recommendations from the assessment.
The NEC said the consultation forms part of ongoing efforts to improve its effectiveness, strengthen electoral management, and promote sustainable institutional development.
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