As he campaigned in Electoral District #8 of Nimba County for Electoral District #5 Representative Samuel Kogar, Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung struggled to convince voters why Kogar should be elected. Instead, he emphasized the favor Kogar had extended to them two years earlier.
VP Koung, the political leader of the joint ruling Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), informed the people of Nimba that the government backs Representative Kogar because he supported them in the 2023 Presidential and Legislative Elections, during which the Unity Party (UP) defeated the then-ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
He highlighted Kogar’s sacrifice, noting that in 2023, he turned down a substantial offer of $200,000 and a brand-new pickup truck from the former ruling CDC to support the UP, which had offered him nothing in return at that time.
Koung claimed that the entire government, under the instruction of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, is committed to supporting Kogar’s candidacy—an obligation he is fulfilling during his time in Nimba ahead of the elections.
“And looking at the candidates, Kogar was one who refused $200,000 and a pickup truck to support them. While the Unity Party didn’t offer him anything, he chose to support us. This is what we call gratitude. When someone helps you, you should help them back,” stated VP Koung during a campaign rally.
He further emphasized, “This is why the President has instructed me to be here until the election is over, and I am committed to that. We will win this election. However, we cannot be complacent. We will go everywhere and talk to everyone. Later today, I will even go into the bush to reach out to the people there.”
The highly anticipated Nimba County by-election is scheduled for April 22, 2025, following Article 37 of the 1986 Liberian Constitution, which addresses vacancies due to death, resignation, or other reasons. This by-election is necessary due to the passing of Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, also known as “PYJ.”
Article 37 states: “In the event of a vacancy in the Legislature caused by death, resignation, expulsion, or otherwise, the presiding officer shall notify the Elections Commission within 30 days. The Elections Commission shall then hold a by-election no later than 90 days thereafter. However, if the vacancy occurs within 90 days prior to scheduled general elections, the filling of the vacancy will wait until those general elections are held.”
