Liberia's Biometric Voter Registration Shows Promise for Inclusive and Fair Elections
Liberia's National Elections Commission (NEC) has released preliminary results from Phase One of the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR), indicating that over 1.4 million people (about half the population of Nevada) have registered to vote in the upcoming October elections. The NEC has expressed gratitude to the UNDP for its support in providing generators to ensure that the registration process can be conducted in areas with limited access to electricity during Phase Two of the BVR.
The equal number of male and female registrants is a promising sign for gender inclusivity in the electoral process. The NEC has also launched a Civic and Voter Education (CVE) campaign for Phase Two, which will take place in nine counties across Liberia. The use of online Personal Data Entry applications is encouraged as an optional means of entering would-be registrants’ data.
It is important for eligible Liberians to register only once and not attempt to register multiple times, as this is a crime that will result in prosecution and deactivation from the BVR system. The budget for the 2023 General Elections was approved, with the government appropriating and approving US$53 million for the NEC over two budget years. The payment of the honorarium of temporary staff for Phase 1 has already begun.
The NEC's commitment to transparency and inclusivity is commendable, and it is important for all eligible Liberians to exercise their right to vote in October. By participating in the electoral process, citizens can play a critical role in shaping the future of their country.
As we continue to monitor the progress of Liberia's BVR process and preparations for Phase Two, let us all do our part to encourage and educate eligible voters in Liberia to participate in the electoral process. Together, we can support inclusive and fair elections that will strengthen Liberia's democracy and promote a brighter future for all citizens.
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.jpg "photo of a voter registration center with people standing in line to register.")
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