The leadership the opposition Movement for Development and Reconstruction (MDR) Party has called on authorities at the National Elections Commission (NEC) to investigate “potential elections violence” in the ensuing senatorial by-election.
In a letter to authorities at the NEC on Monday, March 31, 2025, the MDR formally requested an investigation into “potential violations” of election laws concerning two candidates for the upcoming Nimba County senatorial by-election.
MDR is the political party Senator Prince Y. Johnson (deceased) single-handedly formed to contest for the country’s highest seat.
The allegations are centered on Tee Wonokay-Farngalo and Madam Edith Leanue Gongloe-Weh, who are both vying for the vacant senatorial seat.
According to the party, Farngalo, who previously contested in the 2023 general and presidential elections for District #3 in Montserrado County, may have violated registration requirements if it is proven that he did not meet the eligibility criteria to run in Nimba County.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about Madam Gongloe-Weh, who is alleged to have registered through a proxy. If this claim is verified, it could constitute a “serious breach of the country’s election laws.”
MDR has called on the NEC to fully investigate these allegations, specifically requesting the review and verification of the candidates’ voter registration records, including the QR code data and fingerprint checks.
They have also asked the NEC to assess all relevant documentations to ensure compliance with the legal framework governing elections.
Both Farngalo and Madam Gongloe-Weh are yet to speak to the matter, but the MDR’s call for an investigation comes shortly after the NEC officially declared the Nimba County senatorial by-election opens signaling the start of the campaign period.
The county’s by election is scheduled on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
The MDR’s request aims to ensure that the election process remains fair, transparent and in strict accordance with the laws of Liberia.
The letter was signed by Michael T.V. Deddeh, the national vice chair for elections affairs at MDR, and was attested by Koakun Emmanuel Myers, the national vice chair for political and governmental affairs.