NEC Liberia to Submit US$72 Million Budget for 2029 Elections, Inducts New Executive Director

MONROVIA, LIBERIA | Wednesday, 21 OCTOBER 2026

MONROVIA, Liberia, 21 October 2026. The National Elections Commission of Liberia (NEC) is expected to submit a proposed budget of slightly more than US$72 million to the Government of Liberia by 31 October 2026 to support preparations for the country’s 2029 General Elections.

NEC Chairperson Jonathan K. Weedor disclosed the proposed budget on Wednesday during the induction ceremony of newly appointed Executive Director, Attorney Joseph A. Yarsiah.

He said timely and predictable financing would be essential to preparing for credible elections and sustaining public confidence in the electoral process.

The proposed budget will cover three major phases of the electoral cycle: pre-electoral activities, election operations, and post-electoral activities.

These components are intended to support planning, implementation, and follow-up work before, during, and after the 2029 polls.

Chairperson Weedor highlighted the importance of early financial commitments as the Commission prepares for a proposed fresh biometric voter registration exercise scheduled for January through March 2028.

 He said dependable funding would help NEC plan and carry out major activities in an orderly and timely manner.

Beyond the national budget, the Chairperson called on development partners to provide assistance that strengthens Liberia’s own electoral institutions, professional skills, and technical capacity.

He emphasized that external support should create lasting benefits for Liberian professionals and the Commission.

“Symposiums cannot become the recurrent activities of donor assistance. International consultancy cannot become the major focus of donor funding without due consideration of national expertise,” Chairperson Weedor stressed.

Chairperson Weedor urged partners to invest more consistently in the professional development of NEC personnel, including regional and subregional training opportunities.

 Such investment, he said, can expand the Commission’s technical knowledge and operational capacity while helping Liberian specialists take on greater responsibilities.

Chairperson Weedor also welcomed the Government of Liberia’s willingness to strengthen national financial support for the 2029 elections.

The Chairperson described timely and predictable domestic funding as indispensable to effective planning and the successful conduct of credible elections.

As part of its preparations, NEC is proposing a new biometric voter registration exercise rather than relying solely on verification and updates to the 2023 Final Registration Roll.

 The proposed exercise would be a major component of preparations for the 2029 electoral process, subject to the Commission’s planning and implementation arrangements.

At the induction ceremony, Executive Director Yarsiah pledged to lead the NEC Secretariat with passion, commitment, and steadfastness.

His remarks signaled his readiness to work with staff and stakeholders in support of the Commission’s responsibilities and electoral mandate.

Yarsiah’s appointment followed a selection and vetting process that secured the required two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Commissioners, in accordance with Section 2.19 of the New Elections Law, as amended in 2014.

He brings 19 years of experience in electoral administration and has served NEC in several roles, including Director of Procurement and Director of Political Affairs.

 His experience across different areas of the Commission is expected to inform his leadership of the Secretariat.

The induction ceremony brought together all NEC Commissioners and representatives of the United Nations Development Programme Liberia Electoral Support Project (UNDP-LESP), the Inter-Party Consultative Committee (IPCC), civil society organizations, the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), and other stakeholders.

As preparations for the 2029 General Elections continue, NEC is underscoring the need for coordinated national financing, constructive development partnerships, and sustained investment in Liberian expertise.

 Together, these priorities are central to strengthening electoral administration and supporting a credible process that reflects the will of the Liberian people.

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