The Elections Coordinating Committee (ECC) has commended the citizens of Nimba County District Number 5 for their peaceful participation in the by-election held on August 12, 2025.
The ECC deployed a special observation mission to monitor the pre-election and election-day processes for the representative by-election, the third such election in Nimba County since the 2023 general elections. This by-election was conducted to fill the vacancy created by the election of Hon. Samuel Kogar to the Senate following the April 2025 Nimba Senatorial by-election.
In a press statement, the ECC observation mission found that the election was conducted in a generally calm, peaceful, and orderly manner, with voters turning out gradually to cast their ballots. This statement reflects findings observed directly by the ECC team across polling precincts, including the setup and opening of polls, the voting process, and the closing and counting of votes. The ECC also observed the tabulation of results at the Sanniquelleh Magisterial Office/Tally Center through its County Coordinator.
The ECC will continue to engage in post-election processes and offer recommendations as appropriate.
National Election Commission (NEC) Preparations, Materials, and Logistics
The NEC confirmed that all necessary preparations were in place for a smooth and credible election. The ECC later verified these preparations during its deployment from August 10–12, 2025, led by Board Chair Malcolm Wleemogar Joseph, to Buutuo, Nimba County, Electoral District 5.
The ECC observed the deployment of election materials and polling staff to various precincts, including the handover of materials to the Zoe-Geh Statutory District Superintendent for safekeeping prior to Election Day.
Election Day Observation and Key Findings
The ECC observation team reported that election day was conducted in a calm and peaceful environment. Voters turned out gradually and voted in an orderly manner, and queue management remained smooth throughout the day. Key stakeholders—including NEC officials, security forces, political party agents, and international observers—were present and engaged. NEC officials adhered to established voting procedures, and polling materials were available and properly managed.
The ECC commends the NEC for its preparedness and the Liberia National Police (LNP) for providing security.
Arrival at Voting Precincts & Polling Places
- The ECC received accreditation from the NEC days ahead of the election and observed 7 of the 21 designated voting precincts and 25 of 69 polling places in Electoral District 5.
- By 7:45 a.m., the team arrived at Buutuo Central High School (Precinct Code 33025) to observe the setup of three polling places. Security personnel were present, and all necessary sensitive materials were in place.
Opening of Polls
- Voting generally commenced on time, between 8:00 and 8:15 a.m. across observed polling places.
- Party agents and LEON observers were present at all polling places.
Polling Place Set-Up
- Sensitive election materials—including the FRR, ballot papers, indelible ink, ballot stamps, and accounting forms—were available at all observed locations.
- Teams included an average of five NEC staff, with at least two women officials per team.
- Ballot boxes were shown empty, sealed with four seals, and polling locations were accessible to all voters, including the elderly and physically challenged.
Voting Process
- NEC staff followed voting procedures, including voter ID verification, inking of fingers, and ballot stamping.
- Voting screens ensured ballot secrecy, and priority was given to the elderly, pregnant women, and voters with disabilities.
- Security personnel, party agents, and observers from various political parties (VOLT, LPDP, MDR, NDC, and independents) monitored the process.
Closing and Counting
- The ECC deployed a seven-member observation team to monitor closing and counting at Beeplay Public School (Precinct Code 33009), which included five polling places.
- The counting process was peaceful, with NEC officials adhering to procedures. Party agents, security officers, a UNDP observer, and a Liberia Broadcasting System correspondent were present.
- All party agents approved the results, and no complaints were filed. Voting materials were safely transported to the NEC Magisterial Office for tabulation.
Critical Incident
- One incident occurred in Nyor Gormahplay Town, where a man attempted to vote while carrying a firearm. He was arrested and detained at Bahn Police Station. No further details were available to the ECC team, which was observing elsewhere.
Tally of Results
- The ECC County Coordinator observed the tally at the Sanniquelleh Magisterial Office, which proceeded smoothly in the presence of media and observers.
- The NEC declared Korto Sehwongbay Kwagrue of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) the winner of the by-election during an official press briefing.
Recommendations
- The NEC is encouraged to adjudicate all electoral disputes fairly, transparently, and in a timely manner.
- Political parties and candidates with grievances should follow due process and refrain from inciting violence.
About ECC
The Elections Coordinating Committee (ECC) is Liberia’s largest domestic election observation network, established in 2010, with diverse expertise in democracy, elections, and governance. Member organizations include:
- 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)
- Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL)
