NEC, UNDP/LESP and Law Reform Commission Advance Electoral Law Reform Consultations

Validation Exercise Expected Before End of 2026

MONROVIA, LIBERIA, Wednesday, 30 September 2026

Significant progress is being made toward validation of Liberia’s proposed National Electoral Law Reform, with a national validation exercise expected before the end of 2026, as key institutions and partners continue consultations on the draft legislation.

A high-level consultation convened by the Law Reform Commission at its headquarters in Monrovia on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, focused on advancing preparations for the Electoral Law Reform Validation Exercise.

Chaired by Law Reform Commission Chairperson Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, the consultation brought together representatives of Liberia’s electoral institutions, international partners and other stakeholders involved in the reform process.

Participants included National Elections Commission of Liberia Commissioners Boakai A. Dukuly and Cllr. Earnestine Morgan Awar, UNDP/LESP Chief Technical Advisor Katherine Green and her team, and visiting UN Senior Electoral Affairs Officer Maarten Halff.

During his opening remarks, Cllr. Varmah said the reform process builds on consultations supported by UNDP Liberia, along with engagements involving the European Union in Liberia, civil society organizations and the Office of the President of Liberia.

Cllr. Varmah also said the President of Liberia has expressed concern about the pace of the reform process and instructed the Law Reform Commission to work toward concluding the process well ahead of the 2029 General Elections.

Discussions identified several important areas for review, including voter registration, campaign financing, electoral dispute resolution, and women’s representation and/or quota in the National Legislature.

Participants are expected to use the forthcoming validation exercise to consolidate and harmonize contributions from state institutions, political stakeholders, civil society organizations, and international partners.

Results from those consultations are intended to support the development of a comprehensive electoral legal reform framework, bringing together institutional and stakeholder inputs as Liberia continues preparations for the 2029 General Elections.

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