NEC Ordered To Conduct By-Election In Nimba County

Monrovia  Liberia: The National Elections Commission (NEC) of Liberia has been formally notified of a vacancy in the Liberian Senate following the death of Nimba County Senator Prince Y. Johnson, prompting preparations for a by-election to fill the seat.

In a letter dated Friday, January 31, 2025, the Liberian Senate informed the NEC that Senator Johnson’s passing has left a vacancy in the 55th National Legislature. The communication, signed by Senate Secretary Nanborlor F. Singbeh Sr., directs the NEC to initiate the constitutional process for a by-election, citing Article 37 of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution.

The Senate’s letter, addressed to NEC Acting Chairperson Cllr. P. Teplah Reeves, emphasized that the notification serves as the “legal and sufficient authority” to proceed, as mandated by the Constitution. Article 37 requires the NEC to hold a by-election within 90 days of receiving official notice of a legislative vacancy, unless the vacancy occurs within 90 days of scheduled general elections. With the next general elections not imminent, the NEC is expected to organize the vote by late April 2025.

Senator Prince Y. Johnson, a prominent figure representing Nimba County, was a longstanding member of the legislature. His death marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the region, though the cause of his passing was not disclosed in the Senate’s announcement.

The NEC, led by Acting Chairperson Reeves, has yet to announce a timeline for the by-election but confirmed receipt of the Senate’s directive.