By Rancy S Teewia, Sr.
MONROVIA, Aug. 14 (LINA) – The National Elections Commission (NEC) is proposing a major hike in candidate nomination fees ahead of the 2029 General Elections, a move Chairman Jonathan K. Weedor described as necessary to strengthen the electoral process.
To address costs and party proliferation, the NEC is asking the Legislature to approve new nomination fees. Under the proposal, the fee for President would rise from US$2,500 to US$10,000, Vice President from US$1,500 to US$7,500, Senator from US$750 to US$5,000, and Representative from US$700 to US$3,000.
Speaking on the ELBC Super Morning show on Wednesday August 12, 2026, in Paynerville, Chairman Weedor said the NEC is committed to transforming Liberia’s elections into a modern, fully digitized system.
He stressed that planning for 2029 must begin at least 24 months in advance with adequate funding and institutional support to build voter confidence.
The NEC new boss also announced plans to strengthen biometric voter verification, including fingerprint authentication, to prevent multiple voting and improve election security.
According to the NEC, the rapid growth in political parties has necessitated a reform.
Liberia had 28 registered parties when he previously served at the Commission, compared to 48 now, with about 90 more applications reportedly pending.
He warned that parties failing to meet legal and electoral requirements could face decertification through the courts.
Weedor said the Commission is also working to reduce dependence on electoral trucking and wants Liberia to take greater financial responsibility for conducting its own elections.
He welcomed the Legislature’s request for the NEC’s proposed 2029 budget. The NEC Chairman further flagged AI-generated videos and misinformation as emerging threats to elections.
He said the Commission will introduce stronger security and verification measures to counter them.
Weedor concluded that the overall goal is for Liberians to approach the 2029 polls with confidence in an electoral system that is credible, transparent, and fully digitized.