NEC Wants Civic Education Beyond Elections

GANTA, Nimba County, October 20, 2026 – National Elections Commission (NEC) Commissioner Floyd Oxley Sayor has called for continuous civic and voter education across Liberia, stressing that public awareness and democratic participation must extend beyond election periods.

Commissioner Sayor said civic education should become a sustained national effort to empower citizens to understand their rights, fulfill their responsibilities and participate meaningfully in democratic governance.

He made the call on Monday, October 19, during stakeholder consultations on the NEC’s draft Civic and Voter Education (CVE) Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 in Ganta, Nimba County.

According to a press release, Sayor emphasized the need for a coordinated, inclusive and sustainable approach to civic education throughout the electoral cycle, covering voter registration, election campaigns, polling and post-election activities.

He maintained that strengthening public understanding of democratic processes is essential to encouraging informed participation and promoting peaceful elections.

The proposed five-year strategy, developed under the theme, “Building an Informed, Participatory, Inclusive and Engaged Citizenry for Sustainable Democracy,” seeks to improve civic awareness, expand access to accurate electoral information and strengthen citizens’ participation in governance.

The initiative is being supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP).

The ongoing consultations are intended to gather recommendations from stakeholders to ensure that the strategy reflects the needs and realities of communities across Liberia.

The exercise is being coordinated by the NEC’s Civic and Voter Education Section within its Department of External Relations.

Welcoming participants, NEC Deputy Executive Director for External Relations Samuel B. Cole encouraged stakeholders to contribute practical recommendations to strengthen the draft strategy.

Meanwhile, UNDP/LESP Campaign Coordinator Boimah Metzger commended the NEC for engaging stakeholders, describing the consultations as part of broader efforts to improve public participation in Liberia’s electoral processes.

The draft strategy proposes using traditional media, digital platforms, community outreach, educational institutions and town hall meetings to expand civic awareness nationwide.

It also emphasizes stronger collaboration among the NEC, civil society organizations, media institutions, government agencies, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, educational institutions, and youth and women’s groups.

Particular attention is being given to women, young people, first-time voters, persons with disabilities and residents of rural communities who often face barriers to accessing electoral information.

The NEC believes that sustained civic education and broader stakeholder participation could help strengthen public confidence in electoral processes and encourage more informed democratic engagement.

Recommendations from the consultations are expected to inform revisions to the draft strategy before its validation and eventual implementation.

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