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<p>The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has urged the National Elections Commission (NEC) to establish an Environmental Unit within the NEC to guide and support environmentally friendly election planning nationwide.</p>
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<p>The recommendation was made on Monday, March 9, 2026, when NEC officials visited EPA headquarters in Monrovia.</p>
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<p>During the visit, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo welcomed the NEC delegation and emphasized the importance of safeguarding the environment during national activities, including elections. He noted that campaign materials, posters, and other election supplies generate waste that must be managed properly.</p>
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<p>Dr. Yarkpawolo said that creating an Environmental Unit at the NEC would help integrate environmental considerations into election planning and execution.</p>
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<p>As part of the visit, NEC delegates toured EPA laboratory facilities and learned about the Agency’s work in environmental monitoring and protection.</p>
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<p>The visit brought together NEC Board of Commissioners, the NEC Executive Director, the EPA Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Chief Technical Advisor, and other technical consultants.</p>
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<p>For her part, NEC Chairperson Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah thanked the EPA for the warm reception and praised the Agency’s work in protecting Liberia’s environment.</p>
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<p>She expressed the Commission’s interest in collaborating closely with the EPA during upcoming elections.</p>
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<p>The visit strengthened cooperation between the EPA and NEC as both institutions look to promote responsible and environmentally friendly electoral processes in Liberia, with the NEC signaling its intent to review the Environmental Unit proposal and engage further with the EPA.</p>
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