MONROVIA – Sources within the National Elections Commission (NEC) have reported that Madam Marlene Wogbeh, Director of Budget and chief accountant, was intercepted by security personnel while allegedly attempting to smuggle out financial documents. This incident reportedly occurred at the main entrance of the NEC compound.

Eyewitness accounts claim that Wogbeh was carrying a box of financial documents, which were seized by security guards and handed over to the office of the Co-chairman. One source stated, “She is the Director of Budget here and a close friend of the suspended chairman. We don’t know where she was taking them, but she was caught by a security guard at the gate.”

Additional reports allege that Wogbeh had earlier transferred some documents in her handbag and left them with a money exchanger across the road from the NEC headquarters.

Security personnel involved in the interception said, “She was carrying financial papers in a pickup, along with three others from the finance office. When questioned about their purpose, she failed to provide a satisfactory explanation.”

Wogbeh has denied the allegations, calling them baseless. “It is a lie. If you wish, you can come tomorrow (today, January 17) and get to know the truth,” she told The Liberian Investigator.

Attempts to reach Cllr. P. Teplah Reeves, NEC Co-chairperson, for comment were unsuccessful.

Background on the Suspension of Madam Davidetta Browne-Lansanah

The suspension of NEC Chairperson Madam Davidetta Browne-Lansanah was announced on January 15, 2025, following allegations of misconduct. A release from the Executive Mansion cited violations of Sections 2.1 and 2.10(d) of the 1986 New Elections Law, which mandates that the NEC's Board of Commissioners, not a single commissioner, oversee the Commission's operations.

The statement accused Browne-Lansanah of taking unilateral actions during an ongoing investigation into worker grievances, thereby undermining the Commission's integrity.

President Joseph Nyumah Boakai noted that her actions created a toxic working environment within the NEC.

Reactions to the Suspension

Dismissed NEC employees welcomed the President’s decision, expressing gratitude for what they viewed as a long-overdue intervention. “We are celebrating today. The decision was overdue, but we are happy the President acted in the country’s best interest,” said Rennie Gleegbar, spokesperson for the aggrieved workforce.

Gleegbar called for a full audit of the Commission to ensure transparency, emphasizing that many dismissed employees were removed without due process or justification. He also highlighted unresolved issues, including unpaid allowances and the absence of employee insurance benefits.

Criticism of Browne-Lansanah’s Leadership

Employees accused Browne-Lansanah of autocratic leadership, claiming she excluded other commissioners from major decisions. Gleegbar stated, “She is a dictator who has abused the New Elections Law. It is time for her to leave.”

He warned that reinstating her would provoke further discontent among NEC staff. “If she is forced on us, the President should prepare to dismiss all of us from NEC,” he added.

Appeals to Reverse the Suspension

Reports suggest that high-ranking officials, including Foreign Minister Sarah Beslow Nyanti and Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, are lobbying President Boakai to rescind Browne-Lansanah’s suspension. However, these claims remain unverified.

Calls for Accountability

Lorenzo Harmon, a former NEC employee, demanded legal action against Browne-Lansanah, citing allegations of misappropriating nearly $200,000 and awarding contracts to family members without proper procedures. Harmon stated, “She must face the law to clear her name and address these accusations.”

He also criticized the working environment under her leadership, describing it as detrimental to the Commission’s productivity and efficiency.