-As MDR Withdraws Its Complaint from NEC
By Vaye A. Lepolu
Monrovia, – The Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) has abruptly withdrawn its complaint against senatorial candidate Tee Wongbay-Farngalo and co-defendant Edith Gongloe-Weh before the National Elections Commission (NEC)
In a terse communication obtained by this publication, MDR’s leadership formally notified NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne-Lansanah of their decision to drop the complaint “with reservations.” The document, signed by Vice Chairs Michael Deddeh (Electoral Affairs) and Koakun Myers (Political Affairs), declared the withdrawal as “legally sufficient” to close the matter.
NEC officials confirmed receipt but offered no further comment on the unexpected reversal, which comes amid heightened political maneuvering for the crucial Nimba County senatorial by-election.
Meanwhile, Wongbay-Farngalo, a leading contender in the by-election, vowed to sue the MDR for what he called a “complete destruction technique” designed to sabotage his campaign. “This wasn’t a legitimate complaint – just a time-wasting scheme,” the visibly agitated candidate told reporters. “They had no case from the beginning. Now they’ll answer for disrupting my campaign.”
The businessman-turned-politician asserted full compliance with residency requirements, noting he relocated to Nimba over 14 months ago – exceeding the constitutional one-year-and-one-day mandate. He challenged the MDR to justify its actions, warning: “My lawyers are preparing our response.”
Documents show the NEC had set March 14-17 for candidate credential verification, making the MDR’s late complaint and subsequent withdrawal particularly puzzling. Political analysts suggest internal party divisions or lack of evidence may have forced the retreat.
“This withdrawal-then-threat sequence reveals the bare-knuckle nature of Liberian electoral politics,” observed University of Liberia political science professor Emmanuel Dolo. “It’s becoming a pattern – file complaints to tie up opponents, then retreat when challenged.”
