MONROVIA – The National Elections Commission (NEC) has been formally informed of a vacancy in the Liberian Senate following the death of Nimba County Senator Prince Y. Johnson. The notification, sent in an official letter from the Senate, sets the stage for a by-election to fill the seat in accordance with constitutional requirements.
The communication, addressed to NEC Acting Chairperson Cllr. P. Teplah Reeves, was signed by Senate Secretary Nanborlor F. Singbeh Sr. It affirms that the Senate has complied with Article 37 of the Liberian Constitution, which mandates that the presiding officer must notify NEC within 30 days of a legislative vacancy resulting from death, resignation, or expulsion. The article further stipulates that NEC must conduct a by-election within 90 days unless the vacancy occurs less than 90 days before a general election.
The vacancy arose following the passing of Senator Johnson on November 28, 2024. A long-serving and influential figure in Liberian politics, Johnson had represented Nimba County in the Senate since 2005. His tenure, spanning nearly two decades, ended with his death in Monrovia at the age of 72.
The by-election to replace Johnson is expected to draw significant political interest, given his strong influence in Nimba County. Over the years, Johnson played a key role in shaping national politics, often positioning himself as a decisive force in presidential elections. His passing leaves a power vacuum in Nimba, where political parties are now eyeing the upcoming contest for his Senate seat.
