By Rockson Doe
MONROVIA, Liberia — National Elections Commission (NEC) Chairperson Jonathan K. Weedor has proposed a US$60 million budget for Liberia’s 2029 presidential and general elections, as the electoral body prepares to introduce a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the credibility, security and inclusiveness of the country’s electoral process.
Weedor made the disclosure during an exclusive interview with the Parrot Newspaper over the weekend at the NEC’s headquarters in Sinkor, Monrovia, saying preparations for the 2029 elections are expected to begin in 2027.
According to the NEC Chairperson, early preparations will be critical to ensuring that the Commission has sufficient time to implement proposed electoral reforms, conduct voter registration and educate the public ahead of the elections.
A major component of the planned preparations is the acquisition of National Identification Cards. Weedor said the NEC expects every eligible citizen to obtain a National Identification Card by the end of December 2027, a measure he said would help streamline voter registration and improve the identification of eligible voters.
The Commission is also proposing the introduction of biometric voter enrollment as part of efforts to strengthen the integrity of the voter registration process.
Under the proposed system, voters would receive cards equipped with memory chips designed to enhance security and reduce opportunities for electoral fraud.
“We are committed to establishing a perpetual registration system that will be utilized for every election cycle,” Weedor said.
He explained that under a perpetual registration system, citizens would be incorporated into the voter registration database upon reaching the age of 18, while mechanisms would be established for families to notify the NEC when a registered voter dies so that the person’s name can be removed from the voter roll.
The NEC also plans to begin voter and civic education well ahead of the 2029 elections to ensure that citizens understand the proposed reforms and their responsibilities in the electoral process.
“Educating our people about these changes is an ongoing commitment,” Weedor said, emphasizing the importance of sustained public awareness.
Cybersecurity is another major area of focus for the Commission as it seeks to strengthen confidence in the electoral process.
Weedor said the NEC intends to develop a robust cybersecurity framework to protect election-related systems, safeguard results and prevent unauthorized access or the leakage of sensitive electoral information.
“We are determined to build a robust cybersecurity framework to safeguard our electoral system,” he said.
To further promote transparency, the NEC plans to release the Voter Registration Roll (VRR) 45 days before the elections, allowing citizens and other stakeholders sufficient time to review the roll and identify errors or discrepancies before election day.
Weedor also addressed concerns surrounding proposed increases in candidate registration fees, clarifying that the adjustments are not intended to discourage citizens from seeking elective office.
Instead, he said the proposed changes are intended to ensure that candidates entering the electoral process have the necessary resources to mount credible campaigns.
“Our goal is to reform the law so that elected officials prioritize the interests of their constituents over financial gain,” Weedor said.
The proposed US$60 million electoral budget, coupled with the planned reforms, represents a significant effort by the NEC to strengthen Liberia’s electoral infrastructure ahead of the 2029 elections.
The Commission’s proposed measures, including biometric registration, perpetual voter enrollment, enhanced cybersecurity, early voter education and the publication of the voter roll ahead of election day, are expected to improve transparency and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
With preparations expected to begin in 2027, the NEC is positioning the 2029 elections as an opportunity to further modernize Liberia’s electoral system and promote greater citizen participation in the country’s democratic process.
