Office for War & Economic Crimes Court in Liberia (OWECC-L), Ma Yassah and BFF CEO Augustine S. Arkoi, and in front pointing finger, Ma Kebbeh Monger, President, National Rural Women Structure of Liberia pose with Students.
Highlighting the critical crossroads facing Liberia’s democratic journey following the 2023 elections, Professor Thomas Romeo Quioh, Representative of District #1, Sinoe County, delivering a proxy address on behalf of the Speaker of the 55th Legislature, Richard Nagbe Koon, has declared that comprehensive electoral reform is an absolute imperative to preserve national cohesion and uphold the rule of law.
Speaking at the 62nd National Unification Day Celebration and the official launch of the Mary N. Brownell National Hero/Heroine Awards program, Prof. Quioh emphasized that while the 2023 peaceful transfer of power proved the resilience of Liberian democracy, it simultaneously exposed severe structural and legal gaps that must be resolved to protect public trust.
The landmark event was hosted by the Better Future Foundation (BFF) in strategic partnership and collaboration with the Voices of the Elders (VOTE) – Republic of Liberia.
The Angie Brooks International Center (ABIC) for Women Empowerment, the Liberia Institute of Growing Patriotism and the Consortium of CSO Partners for Democracy and Good Governance (PdG).
Addressing a distinguished audience of state officials, civil society leaders, and international partners, Prof. Quioh, who serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Elections and Inaugurations, outlined a three-pronged legislative priority for democratic consolidation: modernizing ambiguous and obsolete electoral laws, securing predictable and timely budgetary appropriations for the National Elections Commission (NEC) and resolving the urgent constitutional mandate of electoral boundary delimitation.
“The ongoing threshold-setting and electoral boundary delimitation process is not merely a political or discretionary undertaking of the Legislature; it is a constitutional obligation mandated by Article 39 of the 1986 Constitution,” Prof. Quioh stated on behalf of Speaker Koon.
He further maintained that implementing boundary harmonization cannot be treated as contingent upon national solvency or political convenience, but must be pursued as a data-driven, transparent process to prevent deep-seated regional and political grievances.
Prof. Quioh spoke as proxy of Speaker Koon during the high level panel presentation held on the theme: “Assessing the Impact of Presidential & Legislative Elections on Peace, National Unification, Reconciliation & Good Governance in Liberia.”
The presentation highly commended the launch of the nationwide “Snap Survey on Reconciliation,” an initiative targeting 15,000 respondents across Liberia’s 15 counties to address the consequential implications of Liberia’s Transitional Justice impasse.
Prof. Quioh, on behalf of Speaker Koon, lauded the survey as both timely and strategic, stating that sustainable peacebuilding must be citizen-driven and evidence-based, perfectly aligning with Article 5 of the Constitution to promote national healing and democratic participation.
The ceremony reached its emotional peak with the official renaming of the National Unification Hero/Heroine Awards (NUHA) in honor of the late Mother Mary N. Brownell—a former Commissioner of the National Elections Commission.
Prof. Quioh noted that by immortalizing her legacy of peace, integrity, and service above self, Liberia is reaffirming its collective commitment to nonviolence and democratic consolidation.
In his overview statement, BFF Founder/CEO Augustine S. Arkoi said, “Today, as we launch the Mary N. Brownell National Unification Hero/Heroine Awards in lockstep with our dedicated CSO partners and the Voices of the Elders, we are transitioning from symbolic unity to structural peacebuilding. Renaming these awards after Mother Brownell reminds us that grassroots peace activism and unwavering integrity are the bedrocks of our nationhood. By matching this tribute with a rigorous, nationwide 15,000-respondent Snap Survey, BFF and our collaborative consortium are ensuring that the future of Liberian governance, legislative priorities, and national healing will be directly steered by the authentic voices, fears, and aspirations of the Liberian people from all fifteen counties.”
Concluding Support Messages from Dignitaries
The historic celebration featured robust expressions of solidarity from key stakeholders who shared the stage.
Dr. Layli Maparyan, President of the University of Liberia, warmly welcomed the consortium, praising the use of the university auditorium as a space where academic inquiry meets national reconciliation.
She emphasized that educating and empowering the student community is fundamentally linked to the civic and voter education priorities outlined by the Legislature, promising that the university would remain a fertile ground for fostering patriotism and democratic values.
In a powerful keynote address, the Guest Speaker, Ambassador Blamo Nelson, echoed the Legislature’s call for transparent governance and institutional accountability.
Joined by leaders from The Angie Brooks International Centre (ABIC) for Women Empowerment and the Liberia Institute of Growing Patriotism, the dignitaries collectively asserted that true unification requires the deliberate recognition of women’s historical peace contributions and the immediate economic and legal inclusion of rural communities.
They committed their respective organizations to working hand-in-hand with the 55th Legislature to translate the upcoming reconciliation survey data into actionable public policy.
The 62nd– NUD dialogue took place under the Co-presiding leadership of Veteran Educator Sister Mary Laurene Browne, OSF and former Liberian Education Minister Dr. D Evelyn S. Kandakai.
