MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The National Elections Commission (NEC) has confirmed receipt of an official notice from the House of Representatives regarding a vacancy in the 55th National Legislature, following the recent election of Representative Samuel G. Kogar of Nimba County’s Electoral District 5 to a new position.
According to a NEC press release issued Tuesday, May 27, 2025, and signed by Communications Director Prince Dunbar, the House’s notification was addressed to NEC Chairperson Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah. The letter, dated May 26, 2025, and signed by Chief Clerk Mildred N. Sayon, formally informed the Commission of the vacancy and requested the Chairperson to proceed in line with her constitutional duties.
The letter emphasized that its contents serve as legal and sufficient authority for the Commission to act. NEC is now expected to organize a by-election in accordance with Article 37 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which stipulates that in the case of a legislative vacancy due to death, resignation, expulsion or other reasons, the presiding officer must notify the Elections Commission within 30 days, and the Commission must conduct a by-election within 90 days.
However, the same constitutional provision also states that if such a vacancy occurs within 90 days prior to general elections, the seat shall remain vacant until those elections are held.
Representative Kogar’s departure from the House marks a significant political shift in Nimba County, and attention now turns to the NEC’s next steps in setting a date for the by-election. The development also raises anticipation around which political parties or independent candidates will contest to fill the soon-to-be vacant seat.
