By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia – With just hours remaining before Nimba County’s critical senatorial by-election, the international community has urged Liberian stakeholders to uphold democratic principles or risk undermining years of hard-won peace.
In a statement dated April 21, 2025, global partners stressed that “all institutions must remain impartial” to preserve public confidence in the electoral process. The message comes amid heightened tensions following the death of Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, Nimba’s controversial “Political Godfather,” whose absence has created a volatile power vacuum in one of Liberia’s most strategic regions.
A Litmus Test for Liberia’s Fragile Democracy
The April 22 vote represents more than just a routine by-election—it’s a referendum on Liberia’s post-war political maturity. International observers have zeroed in on three red flags, Including Security concerns in a county historically prone to electoral violence, Fears of voter intimidation following reports of heated tribal rhetoric, and Questions over NEC’s capacity to manage disputes fairly.
“We commend the NEC and security forces for their preparations but impunity for violations cannot be tolerated,” the statement warned, indirectly referencing Liberia’s troubled history of contested polls.
A Kingdom Up for Grabs
The sudden death of Senator Johnson—a former warlord turned political kingmaker—has thrown Nimba’s political landscape into disarray. Of the 307,254 registered voters expected at 3,000 polling stations, many will be weighing tribal loyalties against promises of reform.
Seven candidates including Edith Lianue Gongloe-Weh (Independent), current Nimba County District #5 Representative Samuel Gongben Kogar, former Representative of Nimba County District #4 Cllr. Garrison Yealue, former Representative of Nimba County District #9 R. Matenckay Tingban, former Inspector of Nimba County Mack Gbliwon, Torbor Tee Wonokay Farngalo, and Dr. George Parkinson Gonpu at the polls.
