United Nations Peacebuilding Commission Press Statement on Liberia

1. On 29 September 2023, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) convened a meeting on Liberia, chaired by the Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations (UN), with the participation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Deputy Minister of Administration of Internal Affairs, the Deputy Inspector General for Operations of the Liberia National Police, the Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC), a representative from Liberian civil society organization Naymote, as well as senior UN officials, including the Resident Coordinator in Liberia and the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support.

2. The meeting focused on the progress towards the conduct of peaceful, inclusive, transparent, free, fair, and credible legislative and presidential elections on 10 October 2023.

3. The Commission commended Liberia on the progress in electoral preparations and underscored the 2023 elections as a crucial milestone for consolidating peace, democracy, reconciliation, and sustainable and inclusive development in Liberia.

4. The Commission took note of the Government’s funding intentions to the National Elections Commission.

5. The Commission emphasized the importance of continuous inclusive dialogue and strengthened civic education as key to ensuring peaceful, free, fair, transparent, credible, and inclusive elections. The Commission called on all stakeholders to contribute to a peaceful environment for these historic elections and to fully adhere to the Revised Farmington River Declaration and to resort to legal electoral dispute mechanisms.

6. The Commission underlined the importance of efforts to ensure women's full, equal, and meaningful political participation during and after the 2023 elections, while noting the commendable efforts made thus far, as well as the full and timely operationalization of the VAWiE/P Protocol. The Commission recognized the critical and constructive role of Liberian youth in electoral processes and encouraged their meaningful participation.

7. The Commission remains committed to supporting Liberia in building and sustaining peace during and beyond the 2023 general elections.