election-watch.eu

Monrovia, Brussels, 7 March 2025: In March 2025, Election-Watch.EU joined the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) on a joint mission to Liberia, alongside fellow members of the AHEAD Liberia project. Taking place from 28 February to 8 March, the mission was conducted in close cooperation with the EU Delegation in Monrovia, and aimed to support the National Election Commission (NEC) and civil society in advancing electoral reform efforts following the 2023 presidential and general elections.

Drawing on its in-depth compendium of election observer recommendations, Election-Watch.EU presented a comprehensive analysis of both preliminary and final recommendations issued in 2023. The presentation highlighted the nature of the recommendations, their sources and target audiences, required follow-up actions, and relevant international standards and regional commitments.

Two interactive workshops served as the mission’s focal point:

• 3–4 March: A dedicated session with civil society organisations (CSOs),

• 6–7 March: A targeted exchange with the NEC Board.

These events marked the first post-election multi-stakeholder discussions on electoral reform, and created a rare platform for civil society to directly engage with the NEC. At the request of participants, Election-Watch.EU’s compendium and summary note were made available in printable formats to facilitate broader access and use.

Beyond the planned outcomes, the mission catalysed unexpected positive impacts:

• Sparked new CSO-led debates on electoral reform;

• Stimulated ideas for structured NEC–CSO collaboration, including a proposed technical working group;

• Enhanced coordination between EPD and UNDP’s Liberia Election Support Program (LESP);

• Strengthened relationships among consortium partners.

Election-Watch.EU played a central role in shaping and facilitating the mission’s agenda, and also participated in strategic planning exchanges with the UNDP LESP team, contributing to long-term efforts to improve electoral integrity in Liberia.

AHEAD Liberia is a sister project of AHEAD Africa, dedicated to strengthening electoral integrity across Africa.