Buchanan, Grand Bassa County — The Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC), Jonathan K. Weedor, has called for continuous voter education and stronger collaboration between the media and electoral authorities as key measures to deepen democracy and ensure peaceful elections in Liberia.
Speaking on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, during a media interaction held as part of the ongoing Media-Elections Workshop in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, Chairperson Weedor emphasized that voter education and the media remain critical pillars in sustaining democratic governance and promoting credible electoral processes.
According to the NEC Chairperson, voter education should not be limited to election periods but should instead become an ongoing national exercise aimed at increasing citizens’ understanding of their electoral rights and responsibilities. He urged journalists and media institutions across Liberia to actively support the Commission’s civic and voter education initiatives by providing accurate information and encouraging greater public participation in democratic processes. Weedor noted that the NEC is firmly committed to expanding its civic and voter education programs across the country in order to reach more citizens and strengthen public confidence in the nation’s electoral system.
The media engagement formed a significant component of the Media-Elections Workshop, which seeks to improve public access to information about the Commission’s activities and operations through enhanced collaboration with the Liberian media.
“Our objective is to ensure public peace before, during, and after elections,” Weedor stressed, adding that the media plays a crucial role in promoting transparency, combating misinformation, and providing timely and accurate reporting during electoral cycles.
Also speaking at the event, James Kpargoi, Communications Specialist of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP), reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the NEC through continued funding and partnerships backed by the European Union, Ireland, Sweden, and UN Women.
For his part, Press Union of Liberia (PUL) President Julius Kanubah called for constructive and professional working relations between the NEC and media institutions, noting that such cooperation is essential for strengthening public trust in electoral processes and promoting responsible journalism. Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP), Malcolm W. Joseph, welcomed the workshop and described it as an important initiative for advancing democratic governance and informed public participation in Liberia.
Representing the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FEJAL), Mrs. Varnetta Johnson-Freeman challenged the NEC to continue conducting elections in a transparent, accountable, and professional manner that inspires public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.
More than 25 participants, including election magistrates, community radio journalists, and representatives of various media organizations, are attending the Buchanan workshop. The training exercise is expected to conclude in Monrovia with a broader engagement involving senior media managers and editors who will provide final input into the draft NEC Communications Strategy, Policy, and Protocols.
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