Approximately 307,254 registered voters are expected to participate in the ongoing bi-election in Nimba County to fill the senate seat left vacant following the death of Prince Yormie Johnson. Seven candidates are competing for this position.
According to Liberia's election law, a "bi-election" refers to any election called to fill vacancies for unexpired terms in elective positions other than the presidency and vice presidency. This process is constitutionally supported by Article 37 of Liberia's 1986 constitution.
The Candidates
Among the seven candidates:
- Two are former lawmakers (Garrison Yealue and Matenokay Tingban) who previously lost their seats.
- One is Samuel Kogar, currently serving as representative for district five
- Edith is a three-time contestant who has been unsuccessful in her quest for the seat. This is her fourth attempt
- Two are first-time candidates (B. Mack Gblinwon and George Parkinson Gonpu)
Kogar maintains a unique advantage—if unsuccessful in this senatorial bid, he will continue serving his current representative position with four years remaining in his six-year mandate as provided by the constitution.
Election Observation
Several monitoring organizations have currently deployed observers across Nimba County.
- The Elections Coordinating Committee (ECC)
- Liberia Election Observation Network (LEON)
- West Africa Network for Peace-building (WANEP-Liberia)
In a joint statement dated April 21, these groups confirmed deploying 88 short-term observers and 13 supervisors and coordinators to monitor all aspects of the election process, including poll setup, voting, counting, and tallying procedures.
The observation groups reported:
- No major incidents of violence during campaign rallies and debates
- Some instances of divisive messages aired on local radio
- Occasional provocative remarks from candidates and supporters
One notable incident occurred on April 4, 2025, when candidate Edith Gongloe-Weh was forced to leave the Gborplay community in District #4 by youth allegedly supporting Samuel Kogar. Despite this confrontation, observers noted no complaints regarding the defacement or removal of campaign materials.
Calls for Peace
The monitoring organizations have urged: All political actors to uphold their commitments to the Farmington Declaration (signed April 15, 2025) , and adherence to the VAWie Protocol (signed February 18, 2022), which prohibits violence against women in elections
The group also pleads with candidates with complaints to follow legal processes while supporters remain calm.
Meanwhile, they urge Nimba citizens to set aside historical grievances and maintain peace during and after the election process.
