MONROVIA, Liberia – The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is fielding an international election observation mission for Liberia's run-off presidential election scheduled for December 26, 2017.

The delegation includes 36 political and civic leaders, elections experts, and regional specialists from 18 countries across Africa, Europe and North America. Leadership of the delegation is comprised of:

• Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, former President of Nigeria;
• Atifete Jahjaga, former President of Kosovo;
• Hanna Tetteh, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ghana; and
• Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, Regional Director, NDI.

“I am honored to co-lead NDI's international delegation to support transparent and peaceful elections in Liberia, especially given the very close relationship Nigeria has always had with the country,” said President Goodluck Jonathan.

After meeting with the National Elections Commission, government officials, political party leaders and civil society representatives, NDI’s delegation will observe polling places on election day. NDI has been observing the Liberian electoral process since February. This has included sending a 35-member international team of observers for the October 10th elections that issued recommendations to Liberian stakeholders, as well as pre-election assessment missions in February and September. Since July, NDI has also deployed six mobile long-term observers and four long-term analysts in Liberia.

“Exercising the right to vote is one of the most powerful actions in a democracy,” said President Jahjaga. “It is a privilege to observe this important election in Liberia in which citizens will determine the direction they want for their country.”

The NDI delegation will hold a press conference on Thursday, December 28 at the Royal Grand Hotel in Monrovia. At that time, NDI will issue a report with the delegation’s findings and recommendations on steps that could enhance confidence and participation in future elections.

Each Liberian that votes will be making a significant choice about their future,” said Dr. Fomunyoh. “The people of Liberia have been patient and they deserve to have their voices heard this coming Tuesday."

Over the last 25 years, NDI has conducted more than 150 election observation missions in 62 countries. NDI first worked in Liberia in 1997, providing technical assistance to Liberian voter education and election monitoring efforts. The Institute has maintained an in-country office in Liberia since 2003. More information is available at www.ndi.org/liberia.

The international observation mission is supported by a grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

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NDI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness, and accountability in government.