Liberia: CSOs Rally for Stronger Electoral Reforms

What the report says

Civil society groups in Liberia are stepping up their advocacy for electoral reforms as the country prepares for legislative debate on changes to its voting laws. According to the Liberian Observer, women’s rights groups, broader civil society organizations, the National Elections Commission, UN agencies and partners met at One UN House in Monrovia on 1 October 2026 for a workshop focused on electoral reform, temporary special measures and advocacy planning.

The meeting aimed to brief participants on the reform process and help them build a coordinated strategy ahead of discussions in the Legislature. The article says the event was organized under the Liberia Electoral Support Project, with UN Women working alongside UNDP, the UN Electoral Assistance Division, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy and the NEC, with support from the European Union, Irish Aid and Sweden. The project’s stated goal is to improve participation by women, youth, persons with disabilities and other underrepresented groups.

Speakers urged civil society to present a united front and engage early so that reforms are practical, funded and understood before the 2029 elections. NEC officials said the commission has already completed nationwide consultations and compiled reform proposals based on lessons from the 2023 general elections and stakeholder input. Participants also reviewed gender and inclusion findings and discussed international examples of temporary special measures.

The workshop ended with a commitment to sustain evidence-based advocacy and strengthen cooperation among civic groups. In broader context, the process reflects a common challenge in electoral reform: balancing technical changes with efforts to broaden political inclusion and representation.