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Report of an Electoral Assessment and Planning Mission to Liberia: April 4-25, 2004
With the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in Accra in August 2003, Liberians committed themselves to political, versus military, competition for the control of Liberia’s reconstruction. This commitment places added importance on the electoral process as the means through which the political competition will be carried out. The signatories to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement agreed to reform Liberia’s electoral system prior to the conduct of the 2005 elections. A major challenge, however, is how this electoral system can serve as a framework for political competition beyond 2005. In April 2004, IFES fielded a technical planning mission to examine the electoral environment and suggest a strategy for international support for the electoral process. Among the key findings were: 1. Liberians must be involved in all aspects of the process for the CPA-mandated October 2005 elections to leverage the maximum opportunity to bring the nation to a state of peaceful transition; 2. The electoral framework – detailing the legal provisions, the type of electoral system, the nature of the elections to be held, and other aspects of the electoral process – must be agreed upon no later than October 2004 to allow sufficient time for election preparations. Such a framework should be endorsed by Liberia’s stakeholders; 3. Timely, coordinated and robust international assistance at all stages and levels of the electoral process is necessary to create an environment for a successful outcome and to ensure that the best practices of transitional political processes are put into place; and 4. The international community will have to cover the majority of the cost of the elections, as well as provide considerable assistance to the resulting elected and appointed institutions responsible for Liberia’s reconstruction. This report contains recommendations for both the National Elections Commission (NEC) and its partners in the international community. Some of the key recommendations include: • To ensure that Liberian stakeholders are supportive of the electoral framework, that it meets Liberia’s needs and that it conforms to international standards, the process that leads to the establishment of the electoral framework must be perceived as inclusive and legitimate, while drawing on international best practices and principles. As such, it is recommended that fora be provided for NEC and Liberian political and civic actors to consider the various major issues. The international community should support the electoral reform process and provide technical assistance to facilitate the drafting of the resultant electoral framework. • International assistance will need to be provided to build the capacity of the National Elections Commission to organize and conduct the elections and to ensure the credibility of the electoral process. • The international community and the National Transitional Government of Liberia will need to provide timely and complete support to the elections budget. Any delays in the provision of financing and material will negatively impact the elections timeline. Once the electoral framework is finalized, the full costs for the elections will be known. However, priority at this point should be given to financing the NEC’s current personnel and operational costs, including the re-establishment of its presence in the counties, and voter education. • International assistance should support: o The administration of the elections: To support the conduct of a credible and efficient process through the provision of: i. A Chief Electoral Advisor and/or international members on the National Elections Commission to support the development of policy and procedures and the overall management of the electoral process; ii. Technical advisors to assist NEC headquarters and county offices in implementing the electoral framework; iii. Financial, material and logistical support. o The resolution of electoral disputes during all phases of the electoral process: To enable the timely arbitration and resolution of electoral disputes through the establishment of an Election Dispute Tribunal; and o Electoral participation: To promote a level political playing field and informed participation in the electoral process by Liberia’s citizens. International assistance should be well-timed and initiatives effectively coordinated to avoid duplication of effort and to maximize impact.
April 03, 2004
Election Material
Resolution
Comprehensive Peace Agreement Between the Government of Liberia and LURD and MODEL
Comprehensive Peace Agreement Between the Government of Liberia and the Liberians United for Reconcilation and Democracy (LURD) and the Movement for Democracy in Liberia (MODEL) and Political Parties
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Les vertus de la non-violence
“Les vertus de la non-violence” is a report from June 2000, available in French, which focuses on non-violence and the importance of discussion and compromise in the process of conflict resolution. The document, published by the organization Medias pour la Paix, lists the benefits of non-violence in promoting peace and development in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Cours Sur la Democratie le Developpement et la Paix
“Cours Sur la Démocratie le Développement et la Paix” is a teaching guide from January 2000, available in French, which provides instructions for different activities that will promote democratic culture in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The document, published with the help of IFES, lists several terms such as citizen, state, and elections then stages a discussion-based activity that will promote the understanding of how important the concept is to the development of democracy and peace.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Accord de Lusaka Pour un Cessez-le-Feu en Republique Democratique du Congo et Modalities de sa Mise en Oeuvre
“Accord de Lusaka Pour un Cessez-le-feu en République Democratique du Congo et Modalités de sa Mise en Œuvre” is a report, available in French and Swahili, from October 1999 outlining the agreement of Lusaka for a cease-fire in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The document, created by LINELIT, asks for a stop to the hostilities, disarmament of all sides and parties, a national dialogue, and a re-establishment of an authority and administration.
Election Material
Constitution
The Constitution of Finland
Constitution of Finland adopted in 1999 to replace the previous 1919 Constitution.
Publication
Report/Paper
Evaluation of Fondation Hirondelle/Star Radio Project, Monrovia, February 7, 1999
This report offers background on the Star Radio project, as well as general information on the Liberian political and economic climate in Liberia. The report also provides an evaluation of the station itself, with an analysis of it structure and organization, programming, resources, financing and budget. The final section of the report outlines a mid-to long-range business plan, building on Star’s rapid response phase.
February 06, 1999
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Register Today and Vote Tomorrow
This advertisement encouraging voter participation shows a hand placing a ballot into a ballot box to emphasize the role that each Liberian has in the election system. Entitled “Register Today and Vote Tomorrow,” this document was published by the Elections Commission of Liberia and was funded by USAID and IFES.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Constitution (Big Law Book) of Liberia
Published by Liberian Democracy Watch (LDW) in 1999, “Constitution (Big Law Book) of Liberia” serves as an interpretation of the actual Liberian Constitution of 1986 in the vernacular with illustrations. This publication summarizes the important aspects of government structure, fundamental rights and national policy of Liberia, and the functions of the judicial, legislative, and executive branches of government in an effort to better educate the Liberian public. Also mentioned is the political party system and electoral structure of the country.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Reflechissez et Devenez Electeur Conscient
“Réfléchissez et Devenez Electeur Conscient” is a report from 1998, available in French, which details a step by step approach to making the Democratic Republic of Congo a truly democratic country with respect for the rights of citizens and free and fair elections. The document, published by LICE (Ligue de Conscientisation des Electeurs), refers to an African crisis of political under-development that must urgently be addressed.