Kogar Wins First Votes Count … NEC Says By-Election Was ‘Peaceful’

Up to 9 p.m. at press time last night, unofficial tallies from the Nimba County first unofficial results at various polling centers in the Tuesday, April 22, 2025 by-election put Representative Samuel G. Kogar ahead of his opponents with wide margin.

 “As I speak to you, votes counted so far from the entire Buuyaa District #5 favored Kogar, while other contestants remained in zero, a source told this newspaper.

In other voting precincts, including Sanniquellie and surrounding catchment communities, Kogar is said to have unofficially scored high marks against his rivals.

Meanwhile, authorities of the National Elections Commission (NEC) have commended voters in the county for conducting a “peace by-election.”

“Fellow Liberians, the people of Nimba County, I am delighted to announce that the Senatorial By – election has successfully and peacefully ended without any report of violence. Thanks to the people of Nimba County for the peaceful manner in which they turned out today, April 22 and voted for a candidate of their choice who will represent them in the senate to replace the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson. The polls which opened this morning at 8: a.m. have closed minutes ago across Nimba County. What we cannot report is if the turnout was low or high. We can only do this after the entire counting process is over.

Fellow Liberians, the people of Nimba County, as of the report of this press briefing, our Legal Section has informed the Commission that it has received no complaint from anyone regarding the process.

Finally, the Commission extends thanks to the Liberia National Police (LNP) and other security agencies for the level of security provided to the process. Thanks to the government for providing the funding for the conduct of this by – election. To the donor community, we say thanks for their support. We also like to appreciate the Liberian media including various community radios across the county for the coverage of the senatorial by–election.

Members of the press, the Commission assures all Liberians, mainly the people of Nimba County, stakeholders and electoral actors that the NEC will continue to work with you to the successful conclusion of this senatorial by – election. On this note, let me on behalf of the Commission extend an open invitation to all stakeholders, the media, local in and international observer groups, political parties to witness the tally process beginning today, Wednesday, April 24, 2025. The tally processes will be conducted at our two Magisterial Offices in the County.”

Meanwhile, the lone female contestant in the race, Edith Gongloe Weh said she has received dozens of complaints, which her campaign team has filed them with the NEC. This is in contrast to what the commission has said earlier ruling out any irregularity.