Voters in Nimba County are currently engaged with the polls to cast their ballots in a highly anticipated senatorial by-election. The election, necessitated by the passing of Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, has garnered significant attention due to Nimba County’s substantial population and economic influence.
Early Exit Polls Indicate Edith Gongloe-Weh in Lead
According to early exit oipinion polls conducted by Diasopra Alert-partner reporters on ground, Edith Gongloe-Weh, a seasoned politician and former Superintendent of Nimba under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, has taken an early lead. Gongloe-Weh, the lone female candidate, has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights and inclusive governance. Her campaign promises to “lift up the Nimba flag” in the Senate resonated with many voters.
Peaceful Conduct and a call for impartiality by International Partners
International partners, in a statement released on April 21, 2025, commended the National Elections Commission (NEC) and security forces for their preparations and also cautioned them to be impartial, urging all stakeholders to uphold democratic principles and maintain peace during and after the election. NEC Chairperson Davidetta Brown-Lasannah also appealed for a peaceful election, reminding voters to cast their ballots without fear or intimidation.
ANC accuses NEC over 11th hour contractors switch
On the other hand, the Alternative National Congress (ANC) has expressed deep concern over reports that qualified and officially accepted contractors of the National Elections Commission are being abruptly replaced in the Nimba County by-election. According to the ANC, these contractors, who were previously vetted and trained, are being substituted with individuals alleged to be loyal supporters of Representative Samuel Kogar, a candidate in the by-election backed by the Unity Party government. The ANC views this development as a threat to the integrity and fairness of the electoral process, potentially disadvantaging their candidate, Edith Gongloe-Weh. “Replacing neutral and trained NEC personnel with political loyalists undermines the independence of the Commission and raises serious concerns about voter manipulation and election credibility,” the ANC stated.
LTA internet outage announcement amid by-election
The general public is also alarming and condemning the Liberian Telecommunications Authority (LTA) over its decision to announce a nationwide internet outage during the ongoing Senatorial by-election in Nimba County. Former Deputy Minister for Gender, Hassan Karneh, has strongly criticized the LTA’s move, citing concerns over the potential impact on the electoral process.
The LTA has scheduled maintenance and relocation of Liberia’s undersea fiber optic cable, the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) cable, from April 22 to April 28, 2025, which is expected to disrupt internet connectivity across the country. Karneh perceives this action as a deliberate effort to undermine the electoral process, suppress voter turnout, and create a lack of transparency in the election.
As electorate continue to vote, the outcome of this election will be closely watched, not only for its implications on Nimba County’s representation in the Senate but also for its potential impact on Liberia’s democratic trajectory.