Monrovia- March 20, 2023: The Global Media Network Center (GMNC), a media conglomerate in Liberia has donated several booklets to the National Elections Commission (NEC) enumerating how to utilize the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) process for the smooth conduct of the voter registration that begins today, Monday, 20th March 2023.

Mr. George M. Woodtor, Sr., Founder and CEO of Global Media Network Center called on politicians, international partners, civil society organizations, as well as the media and all well-meaning Liberians to follow GMNC’s lead in making the BVR a success by supporting the Commission in whatever way possible.

“Mainly politicians need to see a reason to lend support to the NEC during this exercise because they are the ones that will cry foul about the Final Voters’ Roll (FVR) if the results of the elections do not meet their expectations,” he lamented.

The booklets were donated to the NEC on Friday, March 17, 2023 in the mini – conference hall of the NEC.

He cautioned state actors to bear in mind that the protection of their valid votes starts during voter registration and ends on Election Day, through their poll watchers.

MR. Woodtor said there is a need to closely work with the NEC during and after the Voter Registration so that they can fully understand the processes involved in generating an Electoral Roll (ER) or Voters’ List (VL) for the national elections.

The GMNC CEO averred that the fact the BVR exercise will be Liberia first experience as a nation, it will require all hands on deck for its overall success.

He stressed that the BVR involves using biometric technology – capturing unique physical features of an individual including fingerprinting which is the most commonly used most of the time in addition to the demographics of the voter, for polling registration or authentication.

He told the NEC that the enrollment infrastructure of the BVR allows collecting and maintaining a database of the biometric templates for all voters.

“The overall objective of the Biometric Voter Registration should be, to ensure that every eligible citizen observes the right to vote, but do so by casting only one ballot in a given voting process so as to deter fraud,” CEO Woodtor asserted.

The GMNC CEO indicated that the booklets outlined eight rules for a successful biometric voter registration and hope that the booklets will be used as resource materials for the Commission as it undertakes the very important task of the BVR at this critical time of national politicking.

Moreover, CEO Woodtor wants patriotic Liberians to emulate his institution gesture in every small way they can in contributing to the NEC as a means of supporting the electoral process.

At the same time, the deputy Executive Director for Administration of the NEC, Samuel B. Cole who received the donation on behalf of the Chairperson and Board Commissioners of the NEC said he was delighted to have received the donation from the media group.

Mr. Cole said the efforts on the part of the GMNC is laudable and exemplified patriotism.

“I am happy that there are still many Liberians who are keen to see that our democracy is enhanced,” Mr. Cole said.

He intoned that the BVR booklets will go a long way in aiding the NEC as it undertakes the BVR process, the first time in Liberia.

Mr. Cole assured Liberians of the Commission’s openness to work with every Liberian in every good way that will continue to aid in improving the country’s democratic credentials.

The NEC deputy Executive Director used the occasion to emphasize NEC credibility, impartiality and transparency during these electoral processes as always and noted that the elections are run by the Liberian people.

Accordingly, the National Elections Commission is expected to begin phase one of the 2023 Voter Registration on today, Monday, March 20, 2023.

As a country, Liberia will be transitioning from the old Optical Mark Recognition System (OMRS) to Biometric Voter Registration System (BVRS) for the conduct of the 2023 Legislative and Presidential Elections.

The Liberian Government through the NEC and its partners has decided to use BVRS to conduct this year’s Legislative and Presidential Elections.

Apparently, this will be the first time in Liberia since she gained her independence in 1847;176 years since independence.