The Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), a Pan African organisation, in collaboration its Liberia Elections Observation Mission (EISA-LEOM) has closed its election observation activity in Liberia. EISA-LEOM closing Program underscored the importance of effective voter education efforts to ensure that all potential voters have the necessary information to exercise their rights and understand the electoral process. On July 23, 2024 EISA-LEOM organized a ceremony at the Cape Hotel in Monrovia to close-out activity of election observation mission of the 2023 presidential and general elections in Liberia. The program saw in attendance embassies including Sweden, Germany, and South Africa. Also, in attendance were the National Elections Commission of Liberia (NEC), ECC, Carter Center, LEON among others. In her appreciation note, EISA Country Director and Chief of Party, Antonetta Hamandishe noted as crucial for donors to adopt an electoral circle approach to their assistance ensuring sustained funding to maintain momentum to support the Election Management Body (EMB) and its partners. Outlining the role of EISA in the Liberian elections, she said, through a long stay in the country EISA could tell the Liberia story from an informed perspective. Elections are often shaped by perspectives and assumptions, stating that everyone during the election becomes an expert. “Our role was to be story tellers and witness to the process – avoiding the danger of one-sided narratives which in most cases creates stereotypes, and the problem with the stereotypes is that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete,” said Hamandishe. She further appreciated the collaboration with domestic groups and civil society organizations such as LEON, ECC, Naymote, and others, was crucial. According to her, these partnerships allowed EISA to engage effectively with local stakeholders and amplify their impact. The exchange of ideas and coordination with development and cooperation partners further enriched the EISA mission and strengthened their efforts. The Chief of Party believed that EISA Election Observation Mission to Liberia was unique in many ways, deploying observers for nine months and maintaining a presence in the country for 20 months, setting a new standard in election observation methodologies. This long- term engagement allowed the institution to provide consistent monitoring and reporting, significantly enhancing the credibility of the 2023 elections. According to her, “By leveraging USAID’s support, EISA-LEOM has bolstered public confidence in Liberia’s 2023 electoral process. With over 256 key informant interviews and consultations, and the timely release of 13 public statements, election reports, 4 research reports, and 28 blog articles. We contributed to a transparent and inclusive election environment.” Through continuous observation, reporting, and analysis EISA kept Liberian stakeholders informed about electoral issues, building trust, debunking myths, and ensuring access to accurate information – key element in any electoral process. She said sharing these words from Kofi Annan: “Without international observers, election can easily be manipulated and the will of the people undermined,” In an environment where democracy is declining, it’s even more important to spotlight international election observation– what it looks and feels like for the citizens. Making remarks, EISA AOR for USAID, Louise Fahnbulleh-Jacobs, said EISA has been a testimony to the spirit of cooperation, transparency, and commitment to democracy principles, stating that over the past 20 months their team has worked tirelessly to observe, document, and support the electoral process in Liberia. She said the findings recommendations aims to continue strengthening of the Liberian democratic institutes and processes. She added that they are confident that the insight gathered will foster greater transparency and trust in future electrical processes. In remarks, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ibrahim Nyei, commended EISA for immensely contributing to a credible, transparent, and democratic elections, mentioning that their initiative played a major role to the success of the Liberian elections. He acknowledged the work of the NEC and civil society organizations, as he hopes that in the future women legislation will be passed, pledging the government of Liberia consolidation support to observation organizations Representing the National Elections Commission of Liberia, Commissioner Boakai A. Dukuly expressed excitement for the work of EISA which he stressed helped to preserved the integrity of the Commission, indicating that the presence of EISA prevented helped to mitigate interferences from the elections processes which contributed to a successful 2023 presidential and general elections. Dukuly used the occasion to encourage observers to continue to observe the problem, while at the same time keeping mind that the NEC is in need of capacity building for their younger staff. Also, in remarks, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Jakob Haselhuber, extolled EISA for taking into account the electoral processes, before, during, and after, which he indicated was crucial, adding that he is impressive by the professionalism of EISA for the period of their mission in Liberia. “I think those who are to be lauded most are the Liberian people, because 2023 elections was a clear sign of democracy”, he said further. Remarking, Ambassador of Republic of South Africa, Iqbal M I D Jhazbhay who spoke briefly, urged other African countries to take cue from the Liberian 2023 elections. He also mentioned the importance of the presence of EISA in Liberia for future elections, while at the same time praising the NEC for cooperating with partners and civil society organizations. EU praised EISA for providing the African perspectives on elections and democracy, stating that EISA continues to improve in a concrete way of professionalism, observing that EISA did not only strive for credible elections in Liberia but also promotes human rights, which she lauded and added that this will strengthen even more, democracy in Liberia and across the African region.