Survey Highlights Trust In Elections, Underscores Barriers To Women’s Political Participation

By Precious D. Freeman
A new public opinion survey conducted in May and June 2024 has revealed that while 91 percent of Liberians trust the National Elections Commission (NEC) to conduct free and fair elections, persistent barriers to women’s political participation remain a major concern.
The survey, titled “Public Perceptions of Elections and Women’s Political Participation in Liberia,” was commissioned by the NEC with support from the UNDP, Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP) and partners including the European Union, Irish Aid, and the Embassy of Sweden.
“Following the successful conduct of the 2023 General Elections, we are encouraged to know that most Liberians believe in the NEC’s ability to deliver quality elections,” said NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne Lansanah.
She also acknowledged the need for progress: “We take seriously that one in ten Liberians expects us to do better, and we will.”
Conducted by Liberia’s Business Start-up Center (BSC), the survey gathered insights from 2,650 adults across all 15 counties.
Technical support came from UN Women, Democracy International, the University of Michigan, and Stratcom.
While 94 percent of respondents reported a positive election day experience, and 88 percent endorsed the credibility of the new biometric voter registration (BVR) system, the survey highlighted critical gaps in inclusivity.
Only 57 percent said voting locations were accessible to persons with disabilities, and responses from across various stakeholder groups pointed to persistent challenges faced by women in seeking and securing political office.
The NEC has responded by strengthening Civic and Voter Education (CVE) initiatives and reaffirming its commitment to addressing structural barriers to participation.
“This positive experience sets a high standard,” said NEC Commissioner Ernestine Morgan Anwar. “We pledge to ensure that Liberians continue to vote safely and securely.”
UNDP–LESP Chief Technical Adviser Katherine Green said the findings offer valuable guidance: “The survey is useful in highlighting areas of concern for citizens, as well as opportunities for NEC to improve communication and engagement.”
Marie Paul Neuville, EU Delegation Program Officer, praised the joint effort: “The survey process itself was a strong demonstration of partnership between Liberian institutions and international partners.”
The sample was representative, with an even gender split (51% male, 49% female), 81 percent urban, and 19 percent rural respondents.
Age groups were well distributed, and persons with disabilities accounted for 9 percent of those surveyed.
As Liberia moves toward future elections, the findings present both reassurance and a roadmap validating public trust in the NEC while identifying key areas for enhancing inclusivity and democratic participation.