Liberia’s Electoral Commission Honours INEC Chair, Yakubu

Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC) has honoured Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with an honorary tribute.

The event marked the dedication of a workspace for staff in Liberia.

The chairperson of NEC Liberia, Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah in her remarks acknowledged INEC Nigeria and its chairman for pivotal technical support.

She particularly lauded Yakubu’s role in establishing the workspace, emphasising its positive impact on Liberia’s electoral process.

Expressing profound gratitude to INEC Nigeria, Lansanah recalled Yakubu’s role as the president of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC).

She highlighted his advocacy for resource-sharing among regional Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) and commended his efforts, leading to Liberia’s election as the first vice president of ECONEC in 2021.

In his response, Prof. Yakubu expressed heartfelt appreciation for the honour and emphasised the value of the dedicated workspace in enhancing staff operational capabilities, especially through IT facilities.

Reflecting on past collaborations, he recalled INEC Nigeria’s assistance during Liberia’s 2017 Presidential election and highlighted joint efforts in addressing stakeholders’ concerns.

Yakubu stressed the significance of inter-EMB collaboration, citing examples of technical support for subsequent special elections, the 2020 referendum facilitated by ECOWAS, and the implementation of the biometric register in the recent general election.

He urged prioritising peer support amid limited resources and escalating election costs.

The event witnessed the presence of dignitaries, including the United Nations resident coordinator in Liberia, Christine N. Umutoni; Mr. Manir Ibrahim, charge d’affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Liberia; the representative of the Liberian Bar Association, alongside the co-chairperson, members of the Board of Commissioners, senior officials, and well-wishers of NEC Liberia.