On December 2, 2021, The ECC officially launched its Electoral Reform project, titled: “Promoting Inclusive and Peaceful Democratic Processes in Liberia” at the Corina Hotel in Monrovia. The objective of the launch was to increase the project’s visibility and stakeholders’ understanding of the overall project goals and objectives as well as lobby the support of stakeholders towards the ECC Electoral Reform. This project has three strategic objectives: to increase support for electoral reform processes, to increase citizens’ participation particularly women in the democratic process, and to reduce violence during electoral processes.
A total of 28 participants were in attendance (10 females, 18 males). This event was conducted by the ECC with technical support and sponsorship from the Ireland Embassy in Liberia.
The launch of the project was facilitated by Mr. Wremongar B. Joe, Program Assistant of CEMESP. The overview of the project was given by Mr. Matthias Yeanay, Executive Director of the Institute for Research and Democratic Development (IREDD), while the vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs. Jocita C. Korkoyah of the ECC.
Key speakers at the launch were Deputy Executive Director of the National Elections Commission, Mr. Samuel B. Cole, Mr. Xav Flowers, Chief of Party, Democracy International, Madam Lien Bach, Chief of Party, Internews, Governance Commission, Commissioner George Howe, Law Reform Commission, Cllr Boakai N. Kanneh, Mr. Marvin M. Sarkor, Deputy Inspector General for Operations, Liberia National Police. Delivering remarks on behalf of Civil Society Organizations and Political Parties were Mr. Augustine S. M Tamba, Head of Secretariat, Liberia Elections Observation Network, Atty. J. Cole Bangalu, Member of the Collaborating Political Parties, Secretary of Liberia Council of Churches, Mr. Christopher Toe and Chair, National Muslim Council of Liberia, Sheikh Abdullah Mansaray.
In addition to key speakers, institutions, key personalities attending the launch were representatives of Inter-Religious Council, Chief of Office Staff of Senator Botoe Kanneh, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Gender, Madam Anne Paye, and members of the Media.
The official Project Launch supports the ECC overall goal and objectives under the ECC Electoral Reform Project, ‘Promoting Inclusive and Peaceful Democratic Processes in Liberia’ by providing a clear overview and synopsis of activities to be implemented during the Project’s duration to key stakeholders and the general citizenry by helping them understand the need or rationale for electoral reform in Liberia and to galvanize the support of key electoral stakeholders to the ECC Electoral Reform Agenda.