Liberia's political parties pledge peaceful elections in 2023

Joint press release

4 April 2023

MARGIBI, Liberia – As Liberia prepares for its presidential and legislative elections in October 2023, the nation's political parties have united to pledge their commitment to peaceful, transparent, and credible elections. They have agreed to resolve any disputes through legal means.

On 4 April, at the Farmington Hotel in Margibi, Liberia, leaders from 27 of 31 political parties signed the Farmington River Declaration 2023, an enhanced and comprehensive declaration designed to ensure a nonviolent electoral process. This builds on the foundation of the initial pledge signed in 2017.

Today’s signing ceremony was organized under the auspices of Liberia's National Elections Commission (NEC), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the United Nations (UN).  President George Weah attended and signed as a political leader and standard-bearer. Representatives from the government, civil society groups, the diplomatic community and international organizations were also present at the high-level event.

The UN and ECOWAS signed the agreement as witnesses. On behalf of the United Nations, Ms. Giovanie Biha, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Acting Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), signed the agreement. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, signed on behalf of ECOWAS.  

The Farmington Peace Pledge obliges signatories and their supporters to uphold the principles of peaceful elections and respect the rule of law. The UN, ECOWAS, and international partners continue to reiterate the importance and centrality of peaceful elections to Liberia's stability and prosperity.

The upcoming elections in October, the fourth in the country since 2003, coincide with Liberia commemorating 20 years of peace. This pivotal moment serves to reinforce progress towards sustainable peace and democracy. The Farmington River Declaration 2023 is a strong commitment to prevent potential instances of violence, including violence against women, during the electoral process.

By signing this Declaration, the nation's political parties have displayed their resolve to ensure peaceful elections in 2023, with the international community fully committed to supporting their efforts.

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For further information, please contact:

Gradiah Walker Bou Hussein

Communications Officer, UN Resident Coordinator Office in Liberia

gradiah.bouhussein@un.org

National Elections Commission (NEC)

Prince Dunbar

pfdunbar75@gmail.com

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Mr. Nathaniel Walker, Political Advisor, ECOWAS Resident Representation Office, Liberia

nwalker@ecowas.int