Nimba County, Liberia – Early voting in the highly anticipated Nimba County Senatorial By-election saw a strikingly low turnout across all 262 precincts and 736 polling stations, raising concerns about voter disengagement and political disillusionment.
The by-election, held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, follows the death of long-serving Senator Prince Yormie Johnson on November 28, 2024. Johnson, whose tenure began in 2005, held the record for the longest continuous service in the Liberian Senate. Re-elected in 2014 and again in 2023, his final term was expected to run until 2032.
Seven candidates are competing to fill the vacant seat, but the election has been overshadowed by debates over tribal representation, political dominance, and the enduring influence of the late senator, who was both a controversial kingmaker and a powerful political figure in Nimba.
Smooth Process, But Poor Participation
Despite a relatively smooth voting process—with no major disruptions or delays—the election was marked by an alarmingly low turnout. Preliminary estimates indicate that fewer than half of the county’s 307,254 registered voters cast their ballots.
Observers and residents attribute the poor participation to widespread frustration with politicians, who many believe have repeatedly failed to deliver on campaign promises.
Why Did Voters Stay Away?
Women Voices Nimba County Correspondent spoke with residents, poll workers, and community leaders to understand the reasons behind the low turnout. Key factors cited include: Political Disengagement, Broken Promises, Lack of Direct Engagement, and Systemic Barriers.
Many voters expressed apathy, believing that their votes would not lead to meaningful change.
Community leaders noted that politicians often neglect constituents after elections, leading to distrust.
Some candidates were criticized for failing to communicate effectively with voters, leaving many uninformed or uninterested. Challenges such as transportation difficulties and voter registration issues also discouraged participation.
