Liberia

Liberia’s politics are structured under a presidential republic framework, with President Joseph Boakai, who took office in 2024, serving as the head of state and government. The political landscape is characterized by a presidential system with broad executive powers granted by the 1986 Constitution, including appointing cabinet members, judges, and military officers with the Senate’s consent, and serving as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

5.613M+

Population

100:99

Men-Women Ratio

3.9%

Women Representation

Overview

Liberia operates as a democratic republic with a robust presidential system enshrined in its 1986 Constitution. The political structure is characterized by a clear separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches, fostering checks and balances vital for democratic governance. The President, elected by universal suffrage for a six-year term and eligible for re-election, serves as both head of state and government, providing strong executive leadership. The legislative branch is bicameral, comprising the Senate and House of Representatives, whose members are chosen through direct elections, ensuring representation across the nation’s diverse constituencies. Electoral integrity is overseen by the National Elections Commission (NEC), which strives to uphold transparency, fairness, and credibility in all electoral processes. Despite Liberia’s progress in strengthening its democratic institutions, the country continues to face significant challenges, including political volatility, ethnic divisions, and resource constraints. Nevertheless, Liberia remains committed to consolidating democratic governance, enhancing electoral integrity, and fostering political stability to support sustainable development and national unity.

Upcoming Elections

August 21, 2025

Presidential Election

Scheduled

The year 1999 marked a major turning point in Nigeria’s history. This period marked the end of long military dominance of 15 years and ushered in the beginning of the fourth republic. The year 1999 marked a major turning point in Nigeria’s history.

Learn more

August 21, 2025

Presidential Election

Scheduled

The year 1999 marked a major turning point in Nigeria’s history. This period marked the end of long military dominance of 15 years and ushered in the beginning of the fourth republic. The year 1999 marked a major turning point in Nigeria’s history.

Learn more

August 21, 2025

Presidential Election

Scheduled

The year 1999 marked a major turning point in Nigeria’s history. This period marked the end of long military dominance of 15 years and ushered in the beginning of the fourth republic. The year 1999 marked a major turning point in Nigeria’s history.

Learn more

Participation Metrics

Liberia Election Participation Metrics (2023).

1. Voter Turnout:
In the 2017 presidential election, voter turnout was approximately 74% of registered voters.
The 2023 elections saw an estimated turnout of around 68-70%, reflecting typical fluctuations due to political and logistical factors.

2. Gender Statistics:
Women comprise about 50-55% of registered voters, aligning with Liberia’s efforts to promote gender inclusivity.
Female candidate participation has increased, but women occupy less than 20% of legislative seats.
Gender parity initiatives continue to promote greater female political engagement.

3. Youth Participation:
Liberia’s youth (under 35) represent a significant demographic but often have lower voting rates, estimated at 40-50% of eligible youth voters in recent elections.Youth engagement initiatives, including voter education campaigns, aim to improve participation, but challenges remain due to limited political awareness and engagement.

Key Electoral Institutions

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Observer Groups

These are not formal government institutions but they play a crucial role in monitoring and reporting electoral irregularities. They also conduct political education and advocate for clearer electoral reforms.

Contact Information

Visit Website

The Supreme Court of Nigeria

The Nigerian Court plays an important role in the country’s electoral processes by ensuring justce, fairness during and after elections. This cort is the highest and final court of appeal in Nigeria. Once the court delivers a judgement on an election matter, no addittional legal process is possible. Also, the courts interprets the provision of the electoral acts as codified in the 1999 constitution (as amended).

Contact Information

Visit Website

State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs)

This commission operates at the state level to conduct local government elections within each state. They are accountable to state governments. However, the structure of SIECs varies across states.

Contact Information

Visit Website

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

This is the primary body in Nigeria that manages and coordinates natinal and state electoral processes. INEC was established by the 1999 constitution to supervise presidential, national assembly, governorship and state assembly elections; monitor pilitcal party activities and their finances: accredit observers and parties. INEC is headed by a Chairman and National Commissioner that is appointed by the president and approved the the senate.

Contact Information

Visit Website

Electoral Laws & Policies

https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/LR/liberia-amended-electoral-laws-2014/view

Accredited Election Monitoring Organizations

EIE

EIE

European Union Election Observation Mission

European Union Election Observation Mission

European Union Election Observation Mission

Centre for Democracy and Development

Centre for Democracy and Development

Centre for Democracy and Development

EIE

Recent Election Publication

Gambia

Worst Election Recorded in the whole world. #6

Download

Cape Verde

Worst Election Recorded in the whole world. #5

Download

Gambia

Worst Election Recorded in the whole world. #4

Download

Gambia

Worst Election Recorded in the whole world. #3

Download

News & Updates

Gambia

Worst Election Recorded in the whole world. #5

Observe West Africa is a youth-led, civic-driven platform dedicated to promoting transparent and inclusive elections across West Africa.

Gambia

Worst Election Recorded in the whole world. #4

Observe West Africa is a youth-led, civic-driven platform dedicated to promoting transparent and inclusive elections across West Africa.

Gambia

Worst Election Recorded in the whole world. #3

Observe West Africa is a youth-led, civic-driven platform dedicated to promoting transparent and inclusive elections across West Africa.

Cape Verde

Worst Election Recorded in the whole world. #2

Observe West Africa is a youth-led, civic-driven platform dedicated to promoting transparent and inclusive elections across West Africa.

How To Monitor Elections In

Liberia