Locations
LIBERIA ELECTORAL SUPPORT PROJECT PLUS (LESP +)
Project Summary
The project seeks to support the Government of Liberia strengthen the quality of democratic governance. To this end, LESP+ aims at promoting a more inclusive, participatory, and accountable democracy in Liberia. It responds to the challenges of democratic governance in the country including weak institutions and electoral systems, underrepresentation of youth and women in political processes, and marginalization of vulnerable groups. The project also addresses some of the challenges of weak legislative oversight and secretariat functions.
LESP+ complements and builds on several existing frameworks and plans of action to include the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNDP Liberia Country Programme Document (2020-2024), UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2020-2024 for Liberia, National Agendas formerly Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD) 2018–2023, and now ARREST as well as strategic instruments of Bilateral and Multilateral partners like the European Union among others.
Objective
The overall objective of the project which is in its fourth cycle, is to promote a more inclusive and transparent democracy in Liberia. The aim is to support the government deliver on its democratic obligations to its citizens in line with national needs and priorities by improving the conditions for a peaceful and unified society as a base for sustainable development. The overarching strategy is to improve national ownership of election processes and reforms by working towards a more conducive and democratic environment. The approach is to enhance and supplement technical assistance to the National Elections Commission (NEC) and diverse electoral stakeholders. This approach offers a more holistic response to the issues of inclusion, credibility, transparency, integrity, capacity, and peace dividends during elections.
Expected Results
- Enhanced electoral cycle and sustained peace by strengthening inclusion and transparency of the electoral processes, improving institutional capacity and accountability of NEC and electoral stakeholders, and strengthening conflict prevention and mitigation mechanisms in support of the peaceful conduct of elections.
- Enhanced participation and inclusion of women and marginalized groups in political processes by creating more opportunities (political and civic engagements) accessible to women and youth as well as strengthening inter-party collaboration and policy-based connections between parties, members of the Legislature and voters.
- Increased state accountability through legislative oversight by improving the capacity of the Legislative Secretariat, budget analysis and cooperation with civil society actors as well as increased capacity of CSOs and the media in furtherance of the oversight functions of the Legislature.
Achievements
The Project has made significant contributions to the successful conduct of elections in Liberia specifically in 2020 and the 2023 General elections through series of interventions. These interventions helped strengthened human resource capacities of the NEC and electoral stakeholders, improved internal and external communication, reduced dis/misinformation, and enhanced the transparency, credibility, and integrity of the electoral processes. LESP+ in collaboration with other UN agencies, ECOWAS, and other international, national, and regional actors supported and strengthened Liberia’s early warning and response (conflict prevention) mechanism and promoted a peaceful electoral environment in line with the Farmington Declaration signed by all political parties during the 2023 presidential and legislative elections.
| Status | Active |
| Duration | September 2020 – December 2026 |
| Budget | 2020 – 2022: USD 5.8 million; 2023 – 2026: USD18.4 million(est.) |
| Donors | Ireland, Sweden, European Union, UNDP and Germany (contribution in 2020) |
| Coverage | National |
| Beneficiaries | Voters and the public |
| Focus Area/SDGs | Inclusive Governance/Goal 16 |
| Partners | National Elections Commission (NEC), Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), Legislature, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and electoral observation organizations, Security institutions, Liberia National Police, Ministry of Internal Affairs Peacebuilding Office (PBO), Media, Inter Party Consultative Committee, UN Women, Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) etc. |
Budget Break Down
| Year | Budget | Donor |
| 2020 - 2022 | 5,800,000 USD | Germany (2020) Ireland Sweden UNDP |
| 2023 | 8,220,000 USD | Sweden Ireland EU UNDP |
| 2024 | 3,994,000 USD | Sweden Ireland EU UNDP |
| 2025 | 4,010,000 USD | EU UNDP |
| 2026 | 2,180,400 USD | EU UNDP |