Nimba County Prepares for Senatorial By-Election Following…

Nimba County is preparing for a senatorial by-election on April 22, 2025, to fill the seat of the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson. The race includes notable candidates such as Samuel Kogar and Edith Gongloe-Wehyee, with Kogar receiving significant endorsements. The election highlights the need for balanced representation, as calls for inclusion of underrepresented groups are made amid potential financial implications of transitioning legislative seats.

Nimba County is currently engaged in a substantial debate regarding potential candidates to fill the Senate seat formerly held by the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, who passed away in 2024. With a by-election scheduled for April 22, 2025, Nimbaians are contemplating whom to elect to fulfill the remaining term of Senator Johnson, who was a prominent figure in local politics.

Senator Johnson, known as the ‘godfather’ of Nimba politics, had served two nine-year terms since 2005 and was a key member of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction. His sudden death left the county searching for a new representative in the Senate. A survey by A NEW DAWN reveals that six out of nine county Representatives, alongside current Senator Nya D. Twayen, Jr., are backing Representative Samuel Kogar’s campaign.

The competition for the vacant Senate seat is intense, as four of the eight candidates have garnered considerable support. Among these candidates are Representative Kogar, former Superintendent Edith Gongloe-Wehyee, former District4 Representative Cllr. Garrison Yealu, and former County Inspector B. Mack Gbliwon. Kogar’s recent endorsement by Vice President Jeremiah Koung has notably increased his visibility in the race.

Vice President Koung has publicly urged constituents to support Kogar, a fellow member of the Gio ethnic group, to honor Senator Johnson’s legacy. However, there are concerns regarding the potential financial strain that another House to Senate transition could impose on the ailing national budget. Critics advocate for a more balanced representation in the Senate, emphasizing the need for opposition representation.

Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, a former presidential candidate and sibling to candidate Edith Gongloe Wehyee, argues for diverse representation in the Senate. He stresses that the voices of all ethnic groups in Nimba County, especially women and historically marginalized communities, must be included in political leadership. He highlights the significance of electing Gongloe-Wehyee as a means to achieve inclusive representation, given her previous experience as Superintendent and her role as the only female candidate in the race.

This election is critical as it reflects the direction of Nimba’s political future. Kogar is running for the Senate for the second time, while Gongloe-Wehyee is vying again for the fourth time.

The senatorial by-election in Nimba County presents significant implications for the region’s political landscape following the loss of Senator Prince Yormie Johnson. The debate surrounding candidates emphasizes the importance of diversity in representation, particularly for underrepresented groups, as both Samuel Kogar and Edith Gongloe-Wehyee seek the seat. Ultimately, the outcome of this election may shape the dynamics of representation in Nimba County and within the Senate of Liberia.

Original Source: thenewdawnliberia.com