FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2006

On April 10, 2006, the International Republican Institute’s (IRI) Liberia resident country director, Xav Hagen, and resident program officer, Mahamed Boakai, met with the president of the Republic of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. Hagen congratulated the president on her victory during the 2005 election and her recent successful visit to the U.S., punctuated by an address to a special joint session of Congress.

During the meeting, President Johnson-Sirleaf emphasized the importance of democratic development in Liberia. She also expressed her support for anticipated municipal elections, adding that the election of local government officials, mayors and chiefs is crucial to instilling a sense of responsibility to the people among leaders at local levels. The president reiterated her support for a responsible opposition, which she first mentioned during her inaugural address in January this year.

On behalf of IRI, Hagen presented the president with mementos of IRI’s work in Liberia. The president said she hoped that IRI would continue its work to promote democracy within Liberia. Hagen assured President Johnson-Sirleaf that IRI’s work to strengthen Liberia’s democratic institutions will continue. IRI’s post-election programs include political party development, work with the women’s legislative caucus, and work with focus groups.

During the 2005 first and second round presidential and parliamentary elections, IRI sent election observers to monitor the electoral process. IRI has conducted political party development programs in Liberia since May 2004.

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