The Elections Coordinating Committee (ECC) has commended the citizens of Nimba County District #5 for their peaceful participation in the representative by-election held on August 12, 2025.
The ECC deployed a special observation mission to monitor both the pre-election environment and election day proceedings. This by-election—the third in Nimba County since the 2023 general elections—was organized to fill the vacancy left by Hon. Samuel Kogar, who was elected to the Senate following the April 2025 Nimba Senatorial by-election.
According to ECC observers, the election was conducted in a calm, peaceful, and orderly manner. Voter turnout increased gradually after the setup and opening of polling centers. The ECC’s findings are based on direct observations made across the district on election day, including assessments of poll setup, voting procedures, and the closing and counting processes at selected precincts.
The ECC also monitored the vote tabulation process at the Sanniquellie Magisterial Office through its County Coordinator, who was stationed at the tally center on election day and the following day.
In the days leading up to the election, the National Elections Commission (NEC) confirmed that all necessary preparations were in place to ensure a smooth and credible process. These preparations were later verified by the ECC’s Special Election Observation Team, led by Board Chair Malcolm Wleemogar Joseph, which was deployed from August 10 to 12 in Buutuo, a major border town in District #5.
The team witnessed the distribution of election materials and the deployment of polling staff to various precincts, including the handover of sensitive materials to the Zoe-Geh Statutory District Superintendent for safekeeping.
On election day, ECC observers reported a peaceful atmosphere with voters casting their ballots in an orderly fashion. Queue management was effective, and no major disruptions were recorded. Key stakeholders—including NEC officials, security personnel, political party agents, and international observers—were present and actively engaged throughout the process.
The ECC noted that NEC officials generally adhered to voting procedures and that polling centers were staffed with the required number of personnel. Polls opened on time, and essential voting materials were available at the observed locations.
The ECC will continue to monitor post-election developments and encourages all stakeholders to maintain the spirit of peace and transparency demonstrated during the by-election.
The ECC deployed a special observation mission to monitor pre-election activities, election day procedures, and the post-election tally process. The team received accreditation from the National Elections Commission (NEC) ahead of the election and was granted access to all polling places and precincts visited.
In total, the ECC covered 7 of the 21 NEC-designated voting precincts and 25 of 69 polling places across the district. (See Chart 001 for a full list of locations.)
Setup and Opening of Polls
By 7:45 a.m., the ECC team arrived at Buutuo Central High School (Precinct Code 33025), which included three polling places. The setup was observed to be orderly, with more than one security personnel present. All three polling places opened on time at 8:00 a.m., and voters at other precincts confirmed voting began between 8:00 and 8:15 a.m.
Observers noted the presence of party agents and LEON observers at all polling places during the opening. Sensitive voting materials—including the Final Registration Roll (FRR), ballot papers, indelible ink, official ballot stamp, and accounting forms—were available. Each polling team included an average of five NEC staff, with at least two female officials per team.
Ballot boxes were shown to be empty and sealed with four seals before voting commenced. All polling places were located in low-level structures, ensuring accessibility for elderly voters, persons with disabilities, and those with visual impairments. The ECC commended the NEC for this effort and encouraged continued prioritization of accessible facilities in future elections.
Voting Process
Throughout the day, ECC observers visited additional precincts to monitor the voting process. NEC staff generally followed procedures, and queue management was smooth due to gradual voter turnout.
Key observations included: Voter registration cards were consistently checked before voting.
Voters’ fingers were inked after casting ballots. Ballot papers were stamped before issuance. Voting screens ensured ballot secrecy. Priority was given to elderly voters, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.
Party agents representing VOLT, LPDP, MDR, NDC, and independent candidates were present at all 25 polling places observed. The ECC commended political parties and candidates for deploying agents to monitor the process. Other observer groups and media representatives were also seen actively engaged.
Closing and Counting
Due to low turnout, queues had cleared by 6:00 p.m., and all five polling places at Beeplay Public School (Precinct Code 33009) closed on time. The ECC district supervisor stationed there reported a peaceful counting process, with NEC officials adhering to procedures. Party agents, security personnel, a UNDP observer, and a correspondent from the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) were present. All party agents approved the results, and no complaints were filed.
Solar lamps were available at various precincts, ensuring adequate lighting during the count. NEC staff confirmed that all voting materials were promptly transported to the NEC Magisterial Office for tabulation and safekeeping.
While no tension or disruption was observed at any polling place during the day, the ECC received a report of an isolated incident in Nyor Gormahplay Town, the hometown of the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson. A man was arrested for attempting to vote while carrying a firearm. He was detained at the Bahn Police Station for further investigation. The ECC was unable to verify full details due to the distance from the incident site.
The ECC’s County Coordinator monitored the tabulation process at the Sanniquelleh Magisterial Office, where media representatives, LEON observers, and other stakeholders were present. The process was reported to be smooth and transparent. NEC officially declared Kortor Sehwongbay Kwagrue of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) as the winner of the by-election during a press briefing.
Based on its observations, the ECC offers the following recommendations:
The NEC should adjudicate any electoral disputes in a timely and transparent manner.
Political parties and independent candidates with grievances should pursue legal channels and avoid inciting violence.
The ECC will continue to engage in post-election activities aimed at strengthening electoral reform and democratic governance in Liberia.
