USAID/OTI Liberia Hot Topics
April 2005
LTI Assists the National Elections Commission in Fulfilling Mandate
The formal elections process began with the launch on April 25, 2005.of voter registration. National elections, the first since1997, are scheduled for October.
Although the establishment of the National Elections Commission (NEC) was a provision of the 2003 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, it took some time for the Commission to become operational. LTI recognized this need and has been supporting the Commission's work. For example, in April 2004, LTI issued a grant to the NEC to renovate its offices and provide equipment necessary for a suitable work space.
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| NEC staff member using their new networked computer system to streamline time-sensitive election work |
Immediately prior to the voter registration period, LTI provided a second grant which provided essential internal networking to allow for better and faster communication. "The assistance came at a time that was critical for the NEC", says Co-Chair James M. Fromayan, … "It allowed the NEC to move faster, make decisions faster and respond to all of the demands on our time more efficiently. We could not have done it without this help."
Additionally, LTI has contributed in other ways to assist in the run up to elections including the organization of a six week training program on political and electoral reporting for 60 journalists. LTI is also supporting the Liberia Community Radio Network by providing equipment and additional training on elections' reporting at 16 community radio stations that are funded under USAID's Community Peace Building and Development program.
For further information, please contact:
In Washington: John Gattorn, Liberia Program Manager, 202-712-4168, jgattorn@usaid.gov
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