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The Liberian Investigator has found that the political ties between NEC Chair nominee Jonathan K. Weedor and the Unity Party stem from a professional consultancy arrangement rather than partisan membership. According to verified documentation in the possession of the paper , Weedor’s institution, the Center for Development and Election Management (CEDEM), was formally contracted in August 2023 to provide technical electoral services ahead of the general elections.

The agreement, signed by Joseph Nyuma Boakai in his capacity as Standard Bearer of the UP/Alliance, focused on recruiting, training, and deploying poll watchers and party agents.

The investigation emphasizes that CEDEM operates as an independent election consultancy entity, and its engagement with the Unity Party fell within standard professional practices observed in democratic systems.

Evidence suggests that CEDEM had extended similar service offers to multiple political actors and international partners, but only the Unity Party accepted the proposal. Analysts argue that such contractual work does not equate to political allegiance, but rather reflects the technical support often required by parties to strengthen electoral preparedness.

Further findings highlight that at the time of the consultancy agreement, Weedor was reportedly outside Liberia, residing in Finland, thereby limiting claims of direct involvement in on-the-ground partisan political activities.

Additionally, the report addresses a viral video that fueled public skepticism, noting that the clip may have been selectively edited. In the full version of the interview, both Weedor and CEDEM’s leadership reportedly denied any formal political affiliation, maintaining that their roles were strictly professional.

Overall, the publication concludes that the controversy surrounding Weedor’s nomination is largely driven by misinterpretation of his professional engagements. While concerns about the independence of the National Elections Commission remain valid, experts cited in the investigation stress that prior consultancy work with political entities does not inherently compromise neutrality—provided such relationships were transparent, contractual, and non-partisan in ex*****on.

🗣️ “We will make President Boakai a former leader of the country. He will not spend one minute in office after October 10. Not 1 minute he will spend there. Anything short of that, he will be a citizen of the cemetery.” CDC Secretary General Mayor Jefferson Koijee