As the National Elections Commission (NEC) scheduled Nimba County District #5 by-election for August 12, the number of aspirants has reportedly increased from three to at least ten.
Though is yet is publish the official listing of registered aspirants, there are unconfirmed report of an increased in the number of potential contestants.
They include: Sampson Wonah, Augustus Menkoah, Jessie K. Miamen, Jr. Jackson Suomie Youh, and Kortor Kwagrue. Others are Dixon Koyean, Joseph Wehyee, Jr. Conerlius B. Miamen, Boris Barlea and William Miller.
The by-election follows the elevation of former Representative Samuel G. Kogar to the Senate. Kogar now fills the seat left vacant by the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson, who died on Thursday, November 28, 2024.
On Monday, June 9, NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne-Lansanah issued the writ of election to Upper Nimba County Election Magistrate Milton Paye.
She reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent and credible elections in the district’s August 12 election.
“The last day for nomination of aspirants by duly registered political parties, coalitions, alliances or as independent candidates shall be July 4, 2025, at 5 p.m.,” Madam Lansanah said, while presenting the writ to the clerk of writs, Amos W. Kamara, who in turned handed it to Mr. Paye.
In accepting the writ, Paye thanked the NEC Board for its confidence in him.
“I am honored by the trust reposed in me,” he said, adding: “I commit to ensuring a free, fair and transparent election for the people of district #5.”
Polls on election day will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., NEC said, urging all political parties and aspirants to comply strictly with electoral guidelines to maintain peace and credibility in the process.
Key Dates and Timeline are: June 13: Publication of regulations and guidelines for the by-election.
June 19 –July 25: Accreditation of party agents, media, and observers. June 23 – July 4: candidate nomination period. July 4: Launch of civic and voter education (CVE) programs. July 7: Provisional list of candidates published. July 8 – 13: Replacement period for lost or damaged voter ID cards. July 21: Publication of final list of qualified candidates. July 21 – August 9: Official campaign period. July 25: Voting precincts published.
Following the August 12 poll, the NEC will accept complaints from candidates, observers, and media representatives between August 12 and 19.
Provisional results will be announced starting August 13 and will continue daily until August 15, when final results are expected to be declared.