The National Elections Commission (NEC) will take a major step in the electoral process for Nimba County’s vacant Senate seat by issuing the official writ of election on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The move signals the beginning of preparations for a by-election to replace the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson.
The Senate formally notified NEC of the vacancy last week, fulfilling its constitutional obligation to inform the elections body whenever a seat becomes unoccupied. Acting Chairperson Cllr. P. Teplah Reeves received the official communication, which Senate Secretary Nanborlor F. Singbeh Sr signed. The notification confirmed that the Senate had acted under Article 37 of the Liberian Constitution, which mandates that NEC must be alerted within 30 days of a senator’s death, resignation, or removal. The law further requires a by-election to be held within 90 days, except when the vacancy occurs too close to a general election.
The passing of Senator Johnson on November 28, 2024, created a political void in Nimba County. He dominated the county’s political landscape for nearly two decades and significantly influenced the Senate. His death at age 72 in Monrovia ended a long and controversial career that shaped both local and national politics.
Meanwhile, NEC says the event underscores its commitment to upholding electoral integrity and fostering public trust in the democratic process. The issuance of the writ signifies the commencement of official election activities, setting the stage for a fair and competitive senatorial by-election in Nimba County.
With the writ of election set to be issued, the stage is now set for a crucial contest to determine Nimba County’s next senator. Who replaces PYJ is the question that now lingers among political pundits and electorates, as Edith Gongoe-Weh, Samuel Kongar, Garrison Yealu, R. Matenokay Tingban, Harrison Kanwea, and other candidates are poised to face off in this pending political race.
