Woodruff Observes Election in Liberia
David Woodruff, a 1993 graduate of Alma College, took the political science and economics knowledge he gained at Alma College to the historical November 2005 election in Liberia.
He served as an International Election Observer (IEO) in Liberia. He traveled to Liberia with the International Republican Institute (IRI), a foundation that “has programs in emerging democracies throughout the world, helping to foster political freedom through education and exchange, and through its election observation missions.”
Woodruff was part of a U.S. team that visited polling places across the war-torn county to ensure the elections were properly and fairly administered. He was astounded by how well the election went for such an underdeveloped country with little electricity and no running water. In fact, Woodruff said that all the supplies, such as lanterns, pens, and tape, had to be flown in.
The election was particularly important because it was the first election conducted in 14 years.
“It was just the latest step in the country’s rebuilding process that began two years ago at the conclusion of Liberia’s civil war — a war that left more than 250,000 dead and thousands more displaced” says Woodruff. “The country still has no electricity, running water, sewers, or significant economic infrastructure. The voters were, however, extremely proud of their ability to participate in selecting their new government.”
“The Liberians recognized that a path toward democracy and freedom represents the greatest hope to return peace and stability,” says Woodruff. “I feel very fortunate to have participated in this historic election.”
