Liberia: Morlu Warns of Democratic Erosion, Urges Peaceful Resistance to Protect 2029 Election

Congo Town– Solidarity and Trust for New Day (STAND), Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu, has warned that Liberia’s democracy is facing mounting challenges and called on citizens, civil society groups, political actors, students, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to remain vigilant as the country moves toward the 2029 elections.

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***By Jaheim T. tumu-jaheim.tumu@frontpageafricaonline.com ***

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In a press statement issued on the International Day of Democracy, Morlu who had led several protests against the Boakai-Koung administration against economic hardship and narcotic, said Liberia stands at a crucial moment where democratic institutions and constitutional safeguards are increasingly coming under pressure.

He argued that the country must address these concerns now rather than waiting until election season.

“Liberia stands at a dangerous democratic crossroads. An alarming concentration of state power is steadily eroding the institutions, freedoms, and constitutional safeguards upon which credible elections and democratic governance depend,” Morlu said.

The STAND chairman said recent developments have raised concerns about the independence of key state institutions and the overall health of the country’s democracy. According to him, warning signs that should concern all Liberians are becoming increasingly visible.

“The warning signs are no longer subtle, they are a clear and growing threat to Liberia’s democracy: mounting concerns over the independence and credibility of electoral institutions; the politicization of state institutions; increasing restrictions and confrontations over peaceful civic expression and assembly,” he said.

Morlu specifically reiterated concerns surrounding the National Elections Commission, arguing that public confidence in electoral institutions must be protected if future elections are to remain credible and widely accepted.

“The appointment of Jonathan K. Weedor to chair the National Elections Commission, amid public questions about his alleged partisan ties to the Unity Party and his previous professional association with a consultancy engaged by the party, raises grave concerns about the independence, transparency, and credibility of the very institution entrusted with protecting Liberia’s elections,” he said.

He also raised concerns about the growing role of security institutions in managing political and public order issues. Morlu said allegations of police misconduct and memories of previous confrontations between citizens and security forces continue to influence public perceptions.

“More troubling is the growing perception that the Liberia National Police is being positioned as the ultimate enforcer of political and post-election order,” Morlu said.

According to the civil society leader, the concerns extend beyond electoral issues and involve broader questions about governance, accountability, and respect for democratic norms. He argued that a series of controversies and disputes point to a pattern that should not be ignored.

“And the list goes on: the alleged illegal ouster of a sitting Speaker, the expulsion of a legislator for exercising free speech, the erosion of the rule of law, political patronage, corruption, selective justice in the fight against transnational drug trafficking, and flagrant violations of tenure laws,” he said.

Morlu said democratic systems rarely collapse overnight and instead often weaken gradually through the politicization and weakening of institutions meant to protect citizens and uphold constitutional order.

“This is how democracies are lost, not always through one dramatic blow, but through the gradual capture, intimidation, politicization, and weakening of the institutions designed to protect the people,” he said.

The STAND chairman warned that developments taking place today could have serious implications for the integrity of the 2029 elections if left unaddressed. He urged Liberians to pay close attention to the current trajectory of national institutions.

“Liberia must rise now. A system is taking shape that threatens to undermine the people’s will in 2029. If these trends are not confronted now, the ballot itself may no longer be enough to protect the people’s choice,” Morlu said.

He called for a broad coalition of democratic actors to work together peacefully and lawfully in defense of constitutional governance and democratic values.

“STAND therefore calls upon civil society organizations, opposition political institutions, journalists, professional associations, student movements, faith leaders, youth organizations, and all defenders of constitutional democracy to unite, peacefully, lawfully, and resolutely, to resist the normalization of authoritarian practices,” he said.

Morlu emphasized that democracy depends on strong institutions, respect for human rights, freedom of expression, the rule of law, and credible elections. He cautioned that these principles must be defended long before Liberians cast their ballots in 2029.

“These principles cannot be defended in 2029 if they are surrendered in 2026,” he said.

The STAND chairman further disclosed that the organization has already begun consultations aimed at promoting peaceful and lawful civic engagement to protect democratic governance and constitutional rights.

“STAND will not wait. STAND will not stand down. We have begun consultative engagements toward lawful, peaceful, and nonviolent democratic action to defend the Republic and protect the constitutional rights of the Liberian people,” Morlu said.

Concluding his Democracy Day message, Morlu urged Liberians to remain united in defense of democratic principles and national institutions, stressing that political power ultimately belongs to the people.

“Liberia belongs to its people; not to any president, political party, police command, electoral commission, or political establishment,” he said.

Morlu rally call to citizens to “defend the country , protect democracy, and save the 2029 Jr..