THE SOLIDARITY AND Trust for a New Day (STAND) is calling for the immediate withdrawal of the appointment of Jonathan K. Weedor as Acting Chairman of the National Elections Commission (NEC), categorically rejecting the recent appointment on ground that it undermines public trust and confidence in the electoral process, creates a clear conflict of interest, and poses a serious threat to the credibility and legitimacy of the 2029 general and presidential elections.
STAND, IN A release issued Thursday, cautioned that public confidence is the cornerstone of democratic elections and must never be compromised for partisan or political convenience. “Elections must not only be free and fair—they must also be seen as such. Any appointment to lead the National Elections Commission (NEC) must inspire broad public trust, demonstrate absolute neutrality, and reflect genuine institutional independence. The current appointment by President Joseph Boakai has instead sparked widespread concern, debate, and growing mistrust, undermining public confidence and threatening the credibility, legitimacy, and acceptance of future electoral outcomes,” STAND noted in the press release.
THE CIVIL SOCIETY group was concerned that this appointment represents a strong and veritable indication of conflict of interest. Widely circulated public information suggests that Weedor previously played an active role in President Boakai’s electoral process, including involvement in activities associated with the announcement of results favorable to the President. Regardless of the legal or procedural context, such prior political involvement creates a compelling perception of bias and undermines the appearance of neutrality required to lead an electoral body. In democratic governance, perception is as important as process; the elections commission must not only be neutral; it must be seen by all stakeholders as impartial, independent, and beyond political influence.
“IF MR. WEEDOR remains in this position, the government risks discrediting the outcome of the next election before it is even held. His continued leadership creates the perception that future election results may be influenced or predetermined. Such perceptions are dangerous and destabilizing, as elections that lack public trust often lead to disputes, unrest, and weakened confidence in democratic institutions. In electoral matters, even the appearance of bias is a direct threat to peace, national stability, and democratic legitimacy.
“WHILE THE PRESIDENT holds the Constitutional authority to appoint leadership at the National Elections Commission, such authority must be exercised in a manner that strengthens democratic institutions and reinforces public confidence in free and fair elections. This Constitutional power must never be exercised in a manner that raises legitimate concerns about the integrity, neutrality, or perceived political alignment of any nominee. The credibility of Liberia’s democracy and the stability of the Republic must always take precedence over political considerations.
“THE WITHDRAWAL OF this appointment is therefore necessary to protect Liberia’s democracy, preserve public trust in the electoral process, and safeguard national peace, stability, and electoral credibility. STAND therefore calls on the President of the Republic to act in the supreme interest of the nation by immediately withdrawing this appointment. The future of Liberia’s democracy depends on the trust of its people, and that trust must be protected, defended, and upheld without compromise,” the release observed.
