Introduction to Strategic Planning

NEC Liberia Launches Strategic Planning Process with High-Level Workshop

In a significant step toward institutional reform and long-term visioning, the National Elections Commission (NEC) of Liberia officially launched its strategic planning process through a two-day BRIDGE Strategic Planning Showcase Workshop held on 22–23 May 2025. Organized by the UNDP Liberia in collaboration with European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) and supported by the EU, Ireland, and Sweden, the workshop brought together 25 NEC officials, including members of the Board of Commissioners, Secretariat, and Strategic Planning Committee.

The workshop clarified the distinct roles of NEC’s leadership in the strategic planning process: the Board of Commissioners will guide the strategic vision, the Secretariat will oversee operational planning, and the Strategic Planning Committee will coordinate the overall process. Participants engaged in practical exercises, including a gap analysis of NEC’s legal framework, organizational structure, and human resources. These exercises revealed critical areas for reform, such as internal communication, enforcement of policies, and the need for updated electoral laws.

This workshop marked the formal and official start of NEC’s strategic planning journey. Participants received a handbook with samples and reviewed global best practices in mission and vision development, and reviewed the practical impact of different strategy formulation and wording. The workshop also emphasized the importance of aligning NEC’s internal operations with its broader democratic mandate, reinforcing the Commission’s role as a cornerstone of electoral integrity and national development.

NEC Liberia acknowledged the need for continued partner support to build internal capacity and ensure the success of the strategic planning process. Recommendations included strengthening leadership through coaching, improving internal coordination, and enhancing stakeholder engagement with government entities and civil society. With this foundation laid, NEC is poised to develop a strategic plan that not only guides its operations but also builds public trust and institutional resilience.