But NEC Chair Says All Is Set, As LNBA Urges citizens To Exercise Their Rights In Line With Liberian Law
PHOTO: (L-R) LNBA President Cllr. Bornor Varmah and NEC Chairperson, Davidetta Browne-Lansanah
By Our Staff Writer
Less than 24 hours to the Nimba County Senatorial By-Election, the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) has raised concerns about a number of lapses including “limited voter and civic education, logistical and administrative issues”, but NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne-Lansanah says all is set with adequate measures put in place for Tuesday’s poll.
In addition to the above challenges, LNBA President Cll. Bornor M. Varmah told a news conference in Monrovia today, that another concern is “potential security risks and political tension” overshadowing the April 22, 2025 Senatorial By-election to replace the late Nimba County Senator, Prince Y. Johnson.
But National Elections Commission Chairperson Browne-Lansanah told the local OK FM radio live phone-in talk show earlier this morning, that NEC has put in place the necessary logistical and administrative measure for the holding of a successful election, including the conduct of voter and civic education with the support of partners.
NEC says “There are 262 voting precincts and 736 polling places in Nimba County. A total of 307,254 registered voters will go to the polls from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22.
Candidates to be voted for in Tuesday’s Senatorial By-election are Gongloe-Weh, the only female in the race; Independent Candidate Torbor Tee Wonokay Farnga; Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) candidate B. Mack Gbliwon; Representative Samuel Gongben Kogar of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR); and Former District Number 9 Representative Richard Matenokay Tingban of the Vision for Liberia Transformation (VOLT).
BELOW IS FULL TEXT OF THE LNBA PRESS RELEASE:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LNBA URGES CITIZENS OF NIMBA COUNTY TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHTS IN LINE WITH LIBERIAN LAW AHEAD OF SENATORIAL BY-ELECTION
Monrovia, Liberia – April 21, 2025
The Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) calls on all citizens of Nimba County to actively participate in the upcoming Senatorial By-Election in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Liberia.
As the country continues to strengthen its democratic credentials, it is imperative that all eligible voters exercise their rights peacefully, responsibly, and in a manner that upholds the rule of law.
The LNBA commends the National Elections Commission (NEC) for its continued commitment to upholding the integrity of Liberia’s electoral processes. We equally extend appreciation to our local and international partners for their invaluable support in fostering credible, transparent, and peaceful elections in Liberia.
While we welcome the efforts by various stakeholders, the LNBA remains concerned about several ongoing challenges in the electoral environment, including:
- Limited civic and voter education across remote areas of Nimba, which may impact informed participation;
- Logistical and administrative issues that could undermine public confidence in the process;
- Potential security risks and political tension, which must be carefully monitored and mitigated through collaboration between the NEC, political actors, security agencies, and civil society.
The LNBA calls on political parties, independent candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves with civility and respect for the democratic process. Acts of intimidation, incitement, or electoral violence must be avoided and, where committed, must be addressed through the appropriate legal channels.
The Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) strongly cautions all anti-democratic elements, whether acting directly or indirectly, to refrain from interfering with the ongoing democratic process in Nimba County. The Bar emphasizes that the people of Nimba must be allowed to freely exercise their democratic and civic responsibilities without the infusion of conflict, intimidation, or coercion.
The LNBA stresses that any attempt to subvert the will of the people or to destabilize the peace and security of the country constitutes a grave threat to Liberia’s democratic gains and national stability. As such, the Bar will not hesitate to recommend appropriate sanctions, both domestically and internationally, against individuals or groups found to be undermining the democratic process or promoting instability.
The LNBA is closely monitoring developments in Nimba and calls on all political actors, community leaders, and citizens to uphold the rule of law, maintain peace, and respect the constitutional rights of all eligible voters in Nimba County.
The Liberian National Bar Association remains committed to the preservation of democracy, the rule of law, and lasting peace in Liberia.
We reaffirm our commitment to promoting the rule of law and stand ready to support efforts that ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election in Nimba County.
Signed:_______________________
Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah
National President
Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA)