Liberia’s Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah has mounted a defence of the government’s nominee to lead the National Elections Commission (NEC), Jonathan K. Weedor, following sustained criticism from opposition figures and civil society actors who question his political independence.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, Minister Piah acknowledged concerns about Weedor’s alleged ties to the ruling Unity Party but said the relevant question was not whether such connections existed, but what was required once in office.
“If we thought to appoint you and if it determines that you have political relationship, what is required is for you to let go of that relationship,” Minister Piah said.
**Citing Precedent**
The Minister pointed to historical precedent where individuals with prior political affiliations later demonstrated neutrality in senior public roles. He cited former NEC Chairman Jerome Korkoya, who once contested elections on the Unity Party ticket before later leading the elections body and overseeing polls in which the party lost.
“Jerome Korkoya for example ran on the Unity Party ticket in Bong County, he was made chairman of the elections commission, he disengaged from whatever connection he had with the Unity Party,” Minister Piah noted.
He also referenced the 2023 general and presidential elections, where several NEC commissioners faced accusations of partisan leanings yet oversaw polls that resulted in an opposition victory. “Even with all the concerns people had, that this other person ran in Rivercess, on this party ticket, how can you appoint them? Those same people conducted elections and the party people were accusing, the party lost,” he said.
**Defending Experience**
On the question of Weedor’s qualifications, Minister Piah urged critics not to undermine the nominee’s professional reputation. He stressed the importance of experience in running elections and said the Board of Commissioners provides structural checks against any individual bias.
“So, if you have people who it is established that they got the experience with the case of Mr. Weedor, let’s not damage people’s reputation,” the Minister said.
He called on the public to allow the Liberian Senate to carry out its constitutional responsibility in reviewing the nomination without what he described as unnecessary distractions.
**A Contentious Nomination**
Liberia’s next major electoral exercise — senatorial elections — is approaching, making the independence and credibility of the NEC chair critical to public trust. Opposition figures and civil society organisations have argued the government should have nominated someone with an unchallengeable record of political neutrality.
The Senate confirmation process is now underway, and Weedor is expected to appear before the relevant committee in the coming days.
*Source: FrontPageAfrica / AllAfrica*