⁃ As NEC Receives Notification of Senate Vacancy Following Senator Prince Y. Johnson’s Death
By Jerromie S. Walters
MONROVIA – The National Elections Commission of Liberia (NEC) has officially acknowledged a vacancy in the 55th National Legislature, following a formal notification from the Liberian Senate regarding the passing of Senator Prince Y. Johnson of Nimba County.
In a letter addressed to Acting Chairperson Cllr. P. Teplah Reeves, the Senate informed the NEC of the vacancy, a consequence of Senator Johnson’s death. The communication, signed by Senate Secretary Nanborlor F. Singbeh Sr., emphasized the urgency of the matter, quoting the Presiding Officer in Session: “This letter shall constitute your legal and sufficient authority as provided for in Article 37 of the Liberian Constitution.”
Article 37 of the 1986 Constitution mandates that in the event of a vacancy in the Legislature—whether due to death, resignation, or other reasons—the presiding officer must notify the Elections Commission within 30 days. The NEC is then required to conduct a by-election no later than 90 days following the notification, unless the vacancy occurs within 90 days of general elections, in which case the position will remain unfilled until those elections are held.
Ahead of the pending electoral processes, the NEC is tasked with ensuring a timely response to this vacancy, in accordance with constitutional guidelines.
