The National Elections Commission (NEC) has taken a major step toward a long anticipated electoral district review that successfully concluded a three-day Civil Society Workshop on boundary delimitation.
The workshop was held from October 1 to 3, 2025, in Monrovia.
The event, according to a release, brought together 22 representatives from civil society organizations. The participants explored international principles, and best practices in electoral boundary delimitation.
Participants also examined country’s historical, and legal frameworks, and discussed potential challenges that could affect the process.
The initiative was supported by the UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project, with funding from the European Union, Irish Aid, and Sweden. It was implemented in partnership with the NEC and the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD).
NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne-Lansanah, underscored the importance of transparency, inclusiveness, and active civil society engagement in the upcoming boundary delimitation process.
“There remains a widespread lack of understanding about boundary delimitation, and the basis for the House of Representatives constituencies, which continues to generate resistance,” she Madam Lansanah told the gathering. “From an election management perspective, inclusiveness and transparency are international best practices. The process must be open to the public, and stakeholder views must be seriously considered in any proposed changes.”
Madam Lansanah spoke of the critical role of civil society in advocating for transparency, promoting civic education, ensuring independent observation, and fostering inclusive participation.
“This workshop is not only about building capacity in boundary delimitation,” she added, “but also about creating space for dialogue, and establishing clear pathways for civil society participation.”
UNDP Programme Officer Electoral Support Project, Roosevelt Zayzay, echoed these sentiments when he highlighted the essential role of civil society, and the media in the process.
“Their involvement spans advocacy, civic education, and public awareness,” Zayzay said.
“CSOs and the media must see themselves as partners in promoting a fair, transparent and inclusive boundary delimitation process.”
The workshop aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of international standards, legal frameworks, and data-driven approaches to electoral district reviews.
Sessions focused on principles, methodologies, and challenges of boundary delimitation, while encouraging dialogue toward a credible and participatory process.
Discussions addressed key elements, drivers, and potential obstacles to boundary delimitation, laying the foundation for a well-informed national conversation.
Case studies from Papua New Guinea, Ghana, and Nigeria offered comparative insights into how other countries have navigated similar challenges.
UNDP Data and Spatial Management Consultant, Archie Delaney, presented an overview of the boundary delimitation background and challenges.
Delaney highlighted civil society’s role in advocating for transparency, fair representation and civic engagement.
Participants also engaged in group exercises simulating boundary delimitation, followed by presentations and dynamic exchanges.
The workshop followed a series of technical sessions held from September 17 to 24, where over 25 NEC leaders, including Madam Lansanah, Board of Commissioners, senior managers, and technical experts, reviewed Liberia’s apportionment history.
Discussions included the allocation of 64 legislative seats in 2005, and subsequent debates around increasing representation in 2011.
Key outcomes from these sessions, included consensus on the need for an impartial and transparent process, robust stakeholder engagement and stronger institutional coordination and advocacy.
A follow-up session on September 24, focused on identifying specific challenges and strategies for national stakeholder engagement.
Issues raised, included unclear and overlapping administrative boundaries, inconsistencies in census data, and the need for more suitable delimitation methodologies.
The Liberia Electoral Support Project aims to strengthen national institutions and democratic processes to promote inclusive and accountable governance.
It is managed by UNDP, and implemented in partnership with UN Women and the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, with support from the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden.