INEC Chairman Recognized for Advancing Liberia’s Electoral Systems

The Liberia National Elections Commission (NEC) has honoured Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for his significant contributions to the advancement of the country’s electoral systems.

Madam Davidetta Lansanah, Chairperson of the NEC, presented Yakubu with the award during an event marking the commission’s dedication of a workspace for its staff in Liberia.

Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, confirmed the presentation of the award in a statement released in Abuja.

Lansanah commended Yakubu for his technical support in establishing the workspace and for his overall efforts in strengthening Liberia’s electoral processes. She expressed gratitude for Yakubu’s invaluable contributions and the role played by INEC Nigeria in supporting Liberia’s democratic journey.

Highlighting Yakubu’s leadership as President of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC), Lansanah praised his advocacy for resource-sharing among regional Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs). She credited his efforts for Liberia’s election as the First Vice-President of ECONEC in 2021 and thanked him for his unwavering support of NEC-Liberia in various regional initiatives.

In response, Yakubu expressed his gratitude for the honour and underscored the importance of the dedicated workspace in enhancing the operational capabilities of staff, particularly in the realm of Information and Technology (IT).

Reflecting on past collaborations, Yakubu recalled the joint efforts of IT experts from INEC and NEC-Liberia during Liberia’s 2017 Presidential election, which addressed stakeholders’ concerns about the voters’ register. He also acknowledged INEC’s technical assistance during subsequent special elections, the 2020 referendum facilitated by ECOWAS, and the implementation of the biometric register in Liberia’s recent general election.

Yakubu emphasized the complexity of election management and urged increased peer support among EMBs, particularly in light of limited resources and rising election costs.

Notable personalities at the event included the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Liberia, Christine Umutoni; Charge d’ Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Liberia, Mr Manir Ibrahim, and the Representative of the Liberian Bar Association.

Source: NAN