14/08/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2025
ECC Commends Citizens, Stakeholders, and the Government of Liberia for the Peaceful Conduct of Nimba Electoral District #5 Representative By-election
The Elections Coordinating Committee (ECC) has concluded its observation of the August 12, 2025, Representative By-election in Nimba County Electoral District #5. The ECC commends the citizens of the district for their peaceful participation and acknowledges the professional conduct of the National Elections Commission (NEC), security forces, political parties, and other stakeholders in ensuring the credibility of the process.
The by-election, which was necessitated following the election of Hon. Samuel Kogar to the Liberian Senate during the April 2025 Nimba senatorial by-election, marks the third by-election in Nimba County since the 2023 General Presidential and Legislative Elections. To monitor this important event, the ECC deployed a targeted observation mission led by its Board Chairperson, Malcolm Wleemongar Joseph, along with ECC board members, field coordinators, and trained volunteers. The Special Observation Mission observed the process out in the field from August 10 through August 12, covering the pre-election environment, Election Day, and the beginning of the post-election tabulation process.
Speaking following the observation, ECC Chairperson Malcolm Wleemongar Joseph stated: “The ECC applauds the citizens of District #5 for once again demonstrating their commitment to democracy. The peaceful atmosphere on election day and the high level of organization and coordination among electoral actors are encouraging signs that Liberia’s democratic culture continues to grow stronger.”
The ECC observed that the NEC made the necessary preparations for the conduct of a smooth election. In the days leading up to the poll, ECC teams verified that electoral materials had been properly distributed and secured at various locations throughout the district. On Election Day, polling places opened on time, with essential voting materials available and staff present. The ECC verified that procedures for setting up polling stations were followed and that ballot boxes were presented empty before the commencement of voting.
Throughout the day, voters turned out gradually and cast their ballots in an orderly and peaceful manner. ECC observers confirmed that voter identification procedures were strictly followed. Polling staff consistently requested voter registration cards and ensured that each voter’s finger was inked after casting their ballot. The secrecy of the vote was maintained through the proper use of voting screens, and vulnerable groups—including the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities—were given priority access to cast their votes.
Security presence was adequate across polling places, with officers from the Liberia National Police deployed throughout the district. Political party agents were present and active, representing major parties and independent candidates, as well as other observer groups, including LEON and international partners, who were also seen monitoring the process.
The closing and counting process, which was carefully observed by ECC staff at Beeplay Public School, proceeded in a calm and transparent manner. Voting ended at 6:00 p.m. as no voters remained in the queue. Party agents and independent observers were present during the count, and all agents at the observed location signed off on the tally sheets without contesting the results. ECC observers also noted the availability of solar lighting, which ensured proper visibility during the counting process.
Following the vote, ECC’s County Coordinator was stationed at the Sanniquelleh Magisterial Office to observe the tabulation of results. The tallying process was orderly and transparent, with media and observer presence throughout. At the conclusion of the process, the NEC officially declared Mr. Kwagrue Kortor Sehwongbay of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) as the winner of the by-election.
While the electoral process was largely peaceful, ECC notes an isolated incident reported from Nyor Gormahplay Town, where a man was arrested for attempting to vote while in possession of a firearm. The individual was detained by the Liberia National Police and is currently under investigation at the Bahn Police Station. ECC was not present at the scene and is therefore unable to provide further details; however, it urges law enforcement to conduct a full and impartial investigation.
Based on its observations, the ECC recommends that the NEC continue to ensure the timely and transparent adjudication of any electoral complaints that may arise. Political parties and candidates are encouraged to seek redress through legal channels in the event of grievances, and to refrain from actions or rhetoric that could incite tension or undermine public confidence in the process. Furthermore, the ECC encourages the NEC to maintain its commitment to accessibility by continuing to identify voting precincts that are suitable for all voters, including those with physical challenges and the elderly.
The ECC remains actively engaged in Liberia’s democratic development and will continue its work in electoral reform advocacy in the post-election period.
The Elections Coordinating Committee is Liberia’s largest and most experienced domestic election observation network, established in 2010. ECC is composed of seven prominent civil society organizations, including the Center for Democratic Governance (CDG), Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP), Center for Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding (CECPAP), Institute for Research and Democratic Development (IREDD), Naymote Partners for Democratic Development (NAYMOTE-PADD), West Africa Network for Peace Building (WANEP), and the Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL).
Read full Preliminary Statement here: https://tinyurl.com/ecc-full-preliminary-statement
For media inquiries, please contact:
Malcolm Wleemongar Joseph
Chairperson, Elections Coordinating Committee
Email: [email protected]
ECC Secretariat
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.eccliberia.com
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