Update: Read the press release the ECC released Oct. 13 condemning recent disturbing public statements made by certain politicians.

Liberians voted in presidential and legislative elections Oct. 11. The Election Coordinating Committee (ECC), a coalition of seven civil society organizations and a partner of NDI's, fielded more than 2,000 election monitors across Liberia to observe the vote. The ECC provides nonpartisan assessments and reports on any elections-related violence or conflict during the campaign. It has been observing the pre- and post-election periods for these elections and an Aug. 23 constitutional referendum.

Based on reports from more than 300 observers, the ECC issued a preliminary statement noting that:

• Generally, polling centers opened on time;
• The National Elections Commission (NEC) deployed voting materials at all polling stations to allow voting to take place;
• Voting was generally peaceful and orderly with low incidents of disruptions;
• A security presence was evident at most polling centers across the country;
• Voting in most polling places ended at 6:00 p.m., as stipulated by law, and those in line at that time were allowed to cast their votes;
• Counting started almost immediately after voting ended at the official time;
• Party agents, national and international observers were present and observed the counting; and
• Most polling staff gave special attention to certain categories of voters such as the aged, pregnant women, visually impaired and the disabled.

However, voting was not free of challenges, including:

• Congested polling places and poor queue management in certain areas;
• Poor lighting systems;
• Close placement of voting screens in some areas;
• Slow pace in the processing of voters
• Some party agents were not allowed to observe because they could not produce party identification cards.

The ECC appealed to all political parties to respect the vote totals of the NEC, expected to be released Oct. 26, with partial results being released as early as Oct. 13.

Related:

• Read the full statement»
• Liberia launches Elections Coordinating Committee»
• 'Small small' improvements to Liberian bill tracking improve transparency»

Published Oct. 12, 2011. Updated Oct. 13, 2011.