NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) has strongly rejected the appointment of Mr. Jonathan K. Weedor as Acting Chairman of the National Elections Commission (NEC), calling for his immediate withdrawal to safeguard free and fair elections, public trust, and national stability.
In a statement released today, STAND argued that Mr. Weedor’s appointment by President Joseph Boakai undermines public confidence in the electoral process, presents a conflict of interest, and threatens the credibility of the 2029 General and Presidential Elections.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
“Public confidence is the cornerstone of democratic elections and must never be compromised for partisan or political convenience,” STAND said. “Elections must not only be free and fair—they must also be seen as such. Any leadership of the NEC must inspire broad public trust, demonstrate absolute neutrality, and reflect genuine institutional independence.”
STAND further cited Mr. Weedor’s past involvement in activities tied to President Boakai’s electoral process, noting that even the perception of bias undermines the independence required to lead the country’s electoral body.
“Perception is as important as process,” STAND emphasized. “Leadership that appears politically aligned threatens the credibility, legitimacy, and acceptance of future election results and can destabilize national peace.”
The group stressed that while the President has constitutional authority to appoint NEC leadership, such power must be exercised in a manner that strengthens democratic institutions and reinforces public trust.
STAND called on the President to act in the nation’s supreme interest by withdrawing Mr. Weedor’s appointment, asserting that protecting Liberia’s democracy must take precedence over political considerations.
“The withdrawal of this appointment is necessary to protect Liberia’s democracy, preserve public trust, and safeguard national peace, stability, and electoral credibility,” the statement concluded.
